Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Seventh Grade

In seventh grade 
I taught you that 
every hero must 
overcome an obstacle-
That a white knight needed 
a fierce dragon to slay 
before he was truly 
worthy of the title.
White hair,
White teeth,
White t-shirt
We read about Anne Frank 
and I told you 
to find beauty 
even in the darkest corners 
of your world. 
I was too afraid to tell you 
that life 
isn't a book project 
with a clever title.
Blue eyes,
Blue skies
Blue spirit 
You made me laugh, 
behind my hand, 
with my back to the class, 
so that they couldn't see 
how your subversion 
delighted me. 
In a class of clowns, 
you were their king.
Red cheeks,
Red hair,
Red-handed.
I can't help thinking 
that I failed you. 
I wasn't the teacher 
you needed: 
the introduction to heroes, 
and self-sacrifice 
never took root.
Or maybe 
you learned my lessons 
too well. 

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