Picks up a red maple leaf that he thinks is very nice
Spins it with his fingers makes it twirl out of sight
How many times has his frosty breath disappeared?
Curls his fingers in his gloves 'till the school bus gets here
While he waits
Frozen liquid face
Holds his breath, blinks his eyes, fidget feet repeatedly
Feels alone, feeling bored, time drags on eternally
Feels the chill, runny nose, time moves so slow
See his mind go for a walk, with great relief the bus stops!
Window seat, watch his shadow on the street
Bus stops again he looks down at his feet
In front of him sits a girl with whom he wants to speak
She turns around, looks at him, and says: "Hey, your leaf is neat."
When she speaks
Forty liquid streaks
When she speaks
Laid out at her feet
Holds his breath, blinks his eyes, fidget feet repeatedly
Feels ashamed, feels alive, time drags on eternally
Feels their eyes, butterflies, time moves so slow
See his mind go for a walk, with great relief the bus stops!
Jason Campbell
Shawn Campbell
©1998