1965 People who Need Rocks

When I was going to Millburn High School in the spring of 1965, we had the following essay question on our 
final English exam.  "Explain why this song is true", with the lyrics of the song "People".  
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People
People who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world, 
We're children, needing other children
And yet letting our grown-up pride
Hide all the need inside, 
Acting more like children
Than children.


Lovers are very special people, 
They're the luckiest people
In the world.
With one person, one very special person
A feeling deep in your soul
Says you were half, 
Now you're whole.
No more hunger and thirst


But first be a person
Who needs people.
People who need people
Are the luckiest people
In the world!
 

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I was appalled and immediately I wrote my rebuttal.  In it I used the song "I Am A Rock". 

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I Am A Rock
A winter's day
In a deep and dark
December;
I am alone,
Gazing from my window to the streets below
On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

I've built walls,
A fortress steep and mighty,
That none may penetrate.
I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain.
It's laughter and it's loving I disdain.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

Don't talk of love,
Well I've heard the words before;
It's sleeping in my memory.
I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died.
If I never loved I never would have cried.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

I have my books
And my poetry to protect me;
I am shielded in my armor,
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb.
I touch no one and no one touches me.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

And a rock feels no pain;
And an island never cries.

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I wrote almost twice the minimum number of words required.  I used examples of how many times I had moved as a child, leaving my friends behind, and how I learned early on that it was much better not to need people.  

When I got my final exam back, I had an A- on it (because I didn't really follow the instructions per se) and my parents got a note suggesting maybe I needed counseling.  LOL

Turns out they were right.  I have, and apparently have always had, attachment disorder, avoidant type.  I really am a rock.