It's been four years
since I've been in the classroom
but I still recognize the gait
backpack slung low on the shoulders
earbuds in
eyes on the sidewalk
head down, just a little
not gazing up at all
as if afraid to look the sun in the eye
I could tell from the look
I wonder what happens every day
Do they taunt you
Is there someone who hates you
for no reason
Tearing up your homework between the bells
or breaking your pencils
leaving you to take notes with a stub
or worse
asking the teacher for a pencil
bracing yourself for them to roll their eyes
asking you why you never have a pencil
I speed by
Life moves fast in the morning
In my rearview mirror
I watch you slowly shuffle along the sidewalk
The school only two blocks away
I say a small prayer
that maybe today will be a good day
for you
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