joe sat and shook

joe sat and shook

all the through maths.

someone had had a go at him

and he couldn't make any thing

add up right.

or perhaps his mum had been out all night

and he didn't know where she was.

perhaps it was because he was scared.

someone had shouted ,someone had glared.

but joe sat and shook

all the way though maths

while everyone sneaked a look or two

but no body moved to help him

the teather didn't bother at all

just carried on as if nothing was wrong

but i noticed,as i gave out the books

that tears had smudged the inkon his work

that his jacket was stained

and his shirt was torn

everything about him was worn

and in urgent need of repair

so joe sat and shook

all the way though maths

and no body moved to be with him

it wasn't fair,it couldn't be right

i wanted to take him home that night

say ,"stay with us,just for a while"

i wanted to see joe 's hesitant smile

break slowly across his face

but i didn't call as he made for the door

i didn't reach out and pull him back

he wouldn't have wanted anyone

to muscle in on what was wrong

joe sat and shook

all the way through maths

and nothing he tried

came out right.