recess

telling time, walking a straight line
never in my toolbox
memorizing facts,
coloring in the lines
seemed a waste of time
when thoughts would carry me away
running full out with hair flying
leaving awkward talk behind
helped a nervous girl make friends
had to be fast on foot, with words
to stay afloat in the cruel world
of childhood

the halcyon days
are the few we recall
with sugar and sepia photos
yet lord of the flies ruled
every kid for themselves
so tender were hearts
they broke at first blush
with each trampling
of a careless boy or girl
grownups were formed
carrying hidden pain like camels

lunch hours and meetings
won’t fix this
let’s have another go at recess
run full out with hair flying
color all over the page
share words
let’s stop telling time and play