Is it possible to make a difference
in the life a student
who thinks he's just too cool
to do much more than socialize
when he comes to school ?

Do I really have a chance to reach the student
who could really care less.
What is on my mind when I ask a dope head
to study for a test ?

How can I reach a troubled student
who would rather be left alone.
Should I expect her to listen to me
when her troubles are so deep at home ?

Am I kidding myself when I ask my students
to try and concentrate ?
Are they even hearing me when I say
one day it'll be too late ?

Do they really understand that I'm only here
because I care ?
Don't they know that if I couldn't teach in my 'hood
I wouldn't teach anywhere ?

The answer to these questions
that always puzzle my mind:
I'll never reach them all
but they'll always see me tryin'.