(A)The poem “First Period,” by Kevin Derrig, points out the flaws in a school system that may harm a student’s desire to learn and self esteem. (X)Derrig makes his point by comparing violent military and war imagery to the classroom he describes. He claims that students cut classes to “avoid battlefields full of aggravated shrapnel from teachers with exploding tempers.” (E)The classrooms he describes pits teacher against students rather than having them work together. This is counter-productive to the intent of school and creates a feeling of intimidation as opposed to encouragement.  (S)Derrig’s classroom works as a wake-up call to unseen problems that student may face.