The Three R's

I figure,
probability wise its okay
            that you'd be right to say
numbers aren't my thing
            they don't have a special ring

I guess it's totally in my head
             just my problem to portray
subtracting the negative attitude
             they just seem exponentially rude

standing so accurate there
              with an answer and solution for all
circa, around, about, ishes couldn't infinitely care
              even though oddly unaware

I can't calculate
              or translate their twisted tangles
in contemplating these my mind mangles
there's nothing acute about right angles

I see the categorical order
               plus the need to make sense
illiterate to numbers, perhaps this volumes dense
               and my hollow opinion not worth even two pence

I hypothesize however
               that like words numbers can do some magic
and that minus either the solution
               would be exponentially tragic.


Image By Pierce, C.C. (Charles C.), 1861-1946 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons. "Classroom of students with their teachers inside a Walapai Indian school at Hackbury, Arizona, circa 1900

Photograph of a classroom of students with their teachers inside a Walapai Indian school at Hackbury, Arizona, circa 1900. The ungraded school is directed by Mr. Murphy (standing at right?). Perspective is from the front of the classroom looking towards the back. About 45 barefoot students are sitting 4 or 5 each to about 8 benches and desks, or standing along the walls. A Franklin stove in the front (at left) provides heat for the classroom. Several pictures hang on the wood walls, including one of kangaroos. A clock (2:40) hangs on the wall (at left). Hats are hung on the back and side (right) walls. Writing on the side walls show math and English exercises. A desk (at right) holds several bottles of ink, pens, and writing tablets. Small piles of books sit on each desk. The bare rafters of the ceiling support the corrugated roof visible above. The floor is made of bare wood planks."