He tries his best but has no stars.
In Miss Carruthers' class you learn
to do real writing. Slant one way
is all important. Be neat
is the mantra which frustrates
the dedicated parent. Content pales
into the indifference which
permeates every day. The temptation
to feel sick and stay at home
with Grandma is his sister's.

Stars are given only for neatness.

He emigrates, if only temporarily,
and finds that jobs are for the elite,
those who have the card. The neat?
He slants one way, he's always there,
he tries his best but has no stars.