Childhood

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Merrily, the children play. Maple trees whisper to the Heavens. I can hear their voices echo In my ears. They rustling leaves converge In resilient bliss. Halls congregate with clacking Footsteps. Children run rampant. Mothers scream in horror From their destructive ways, Splashing waters dampening Their moods. I eat my Cheerios reluctantly While my brothers lay tucked Away in their warm beds on a Winter’s morning I ascend the bus steps as mother Calls out to me, have a good day. I arrive at school frigid from the cold, Because it's sharpness cuts through My coat. I stumble into class, taking my seat At the back of the room, Waiting for the tardy bell to ring. Other students stagger in, Their loud voices ringing. I think to myself, oh boy, this Is going to be a long day. At lunch, I smell of sauerkraut Fills my senses with a churning Foul. I pick at it, after eating my ham Sandwich. Finally, the bell rings. I toss my plate into the trash, Mindful not to drop it to the floor. © Kiki Stamatiou