The rhyme is saeng/sŏng/sŏng/chŏng; tones match. The last line could also be translated as “Parents mean it when they ask for the whip.”
Who says being village master is good.
Smokeless fires of frustration burn impulsively.
His best years go with sky ch'ŏn and earth chi;
his hair grows white while talking pu and shi.
He teaches all he knows but rarely hears praise.
If he leaves the room for a moment, he’s readily blamed.
The family jewels are entrusted to his care.
When parents ask for the whip, is that what they really want?