I Have A Dream, Too

written by Brianna Mattis

They first taught us science in an art room.

Cells became songs and equations patterns on the face of a vibrant poster.

It was all by (His) design.

What happened to building organelles out of foam and felt?

What became of the wonder of gravity?

Where is the discussion of story beyond the beaker?

I sit in classrooms with Apple between my arms, the nutritional value long gone.

Oh, sweet Aristotle, I regret to inform you—the sweet flesh of knowledge has grown

sour under microscope and monotonous lecture.

We have taken observation to the graveyard. Too far.

Herein lies the cold body of creativity, discarded and abandoned in the biohazard bin.

If you look closely enough at the stats, you’ll find lackluster retention

and the inability to digest beyond the widening of mouth.

Only regurgitation is allowed in this hallowed hall.

Only competition and an atmosphere of grief.

I’ve come to make a toast: To the death of Discipline in academia!

(long may she rot!)

I ask for no support in this matter. The mass and space are already provided.

What I ask for is forward-thinking and retroactive reflection.

It is not enough to keep the standards so high on the wrong mountain!

I dream of music in mathematics and art in astronomy.

I dream of narrative medicine taking root in every school that claims high education.

I dream of teaching teachers how to teach.

I dream of leaning into the arms of dialogue and learning beside the tree and bluebird.

I dream of learning their songs and singing my own.

I dream of science and art as lovers.

I dream of myself as their child.

I dream.

Of more than just this.

I’ve dreamed,

As all scientists must first do.