There was a young lad called Thomas
The teacher thought he had promise
Did he know how to add?
Was he indeed a bright lad?
She set out to test that premise

Apples she used as a sample
Two, then two more , the example
"How many have you?
Just tell me true "
"Five", without so much as a wobble

Scratching her head with frustration
The teacher sought his attention
"Ma'am gives me four,
in my bag is one more"
That seemed a simple solution.