School Reunion

 

You were the snot-nosed kid,

Out of uniform, in charity cast-offs.

Featureless pale face with retreating eyes,

Underscored with teary streaks.

 

You were the deep-thinking kid,

Masked by make-do and shut up.

Skin tattooed in black to yellow,

Inked by knuckles, spelling love and hate.

 

You were the corner-dwelling kid,

Wary of movement in shadows.

Timid and insignificant,

Shy enough to be ridiculed in spiteful rhyme.

 

You were the trouser-wetting kid,

Beyond reach of guardian angels.

Anonymous to Authority;

‘Quiet child, never a problem in class’.

 

You were the kid in yesterday’s despair.

You were the kid in today’s local news.

You were the kid in tomorrow’s fading memory.

You were the kid who missed our reunion and was not missed.