I Still Want To

I’m a tax deduction.

People been writing me off for years.

But I’m still here.

People been telling me

Where I don’t want to be,

And what I don’t want to do.

But I’m telling you,

I’m still here,

And I still want to.

The only true words I ever heard at school 

Were from

Ms. Clara Nell McDermott Westerman Spencer,

My 7th grade Texas history teacher

When someone groaned

And then complained, 

“Do we have to, Mrs. Spencer?”

The southern belle from Callahan County

Turned and raised one eyebrow and said,

“The only two things you HAVE to do

Are die, and pay taxes!”

But I’m telling you,

I’m still here,

And I still want to!

-jenn