Winter's Chill

Wind in the trees echoing the ocean’s roar

Crisp brown leaves leftover from fall scatter across pavement

The snow, shining with a layer of ice

The crystallized top of a crème brule

Crunches underfoot

Deep breath freezes my lungs

The air a bitter blend of exhaust and smoke

I breathe out little clouds of steam

And watch them grow cold and disappear

In the distance the bustling sounds of cars

Of people becoming the machines that they drive

So eager to live up their lives

They get where they are going but forget the journey

Slowly the cold fights its way through my clothes

Biting through to the bone

I think of those to whom this is every day

The torment of the wind and killing cold

Big yellow bus comes screeching down the road

Breaking through my silent reflection

So friendly its colors

Its big bold words and flashing lights

1 2 3 4 5 the kids hop off the bus

Bouncing with excitement

Full of the joy of living

Bubbling over

One boy waits behind

The steps, an elevator, move too slowly

He trips off into the world

On his cheeks are gentle scars

Little lines that sink into his skin and disappear

The teardrops fade as taking my hand

We walk across the street and away from that big ugly bus

Its colors don’t smile at him

Bright yellow taunts him, its jovial hue a trap

And he the unfortunate victim of the poisonous flower’s display

Walking up the driveway

The screeching breaks become evil laughter

I hold tighter to that little hand

Then it slips away to join the others

The danger has passed and the teardrops faded

Teacher, my tears are not for me alone

The boys on the bus they called him names

They told him he was different

And he should be the same

But teacher, he never said anything

He never fought back I promise

They were the bullies he never fought back

I told them to stop and he never fought back