September's Stab in the Heart - Sept. 4, 2024

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