David Holbrook - The Dunce

He says no with his head,  
But he says yes with his heart. 
He say yes to his likes,  
He says no to the Teacher. 

Standing he is questioned,  
And all the problems posed. 
Suddenly in a fit of laughing 
He rubs out everything 
Letters and words 
Names and dates 
Sentences and traps 

And despite the threats of Teacher 
And the jeering of goody-goodies 
With chalk of all colours 
On the black-board of unhappiness 
He Draws 
A Rainbow. 

Translation. 
Le Cancre. Jacques Prévert.

David Holbrook

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-dunce-2/