I remember this bad feeling
walking to school under leaves
tipped red and yellow
in the cold morning dawn
summer’s freedom was over
public education’s bell had rung
time to write read speak
memorize copy and repeat
why did learning in July and August
feel so much more practical when friends
were made problems solved with games
backstabbers disarmed bullies avoided
and trust was built along with tree houses
and forts I became a faster better
runner hid more cleverly laughed louder
skills I would use throughout my life
yes school made me a well-trained pawn
like everyone else ready to play
my part on the chessboard of life
but the cards and competitions played
in basements and backyards on bikes
and summer fields under starlit skies
in bedrooms or under beds on rainy days
were lessons on friendship and happiness
that challenge me to this day
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