1. I fear my teacher when
dawn breaks and I am startled,

2. and I cower among my friends,
anticipating her punishment.

3. Neither tears intercede for me, nor
does long beseeching benefit me.

4. And I fear my mother when
night falls and I am anxious,

5. and I stay up dreading the punishment
while my eyes will not sleep.

6. It would not have harmed me had I
listened quietly and been humble.

7. It would not have harmed me had I
protected my papers so they would not be torn.

8. And had I kept my pages safe
in my notebook so they would not be scattered.

9. Then I would have lived secure and
frolicked in bliss and luxuriated.