There is (a) liveliness
A desire for learning
Where children are
Allowed to laugh

This we hear
From Prof Jansen
Tweeting his list
Of top high schools

(hedging his bets
Before politicians
Take to the stage
Over our matric results)

Happiness is
Or should be
A key quality
At our schools

We instead bequeath
Our children shopping malls
In the name of development
Rather than saving a wetland

(is laughter therapy
A career option
Out here just yet)

St Mary’s recognizes
The importance of laughter
And the vitality it brings
To their school environment

How might happiness
Be assessed as it is
Not yet part
Of the curriculum

The doors of learning
Are not yet open
To laughter

Are you?