It must be hard
to not have a friend:
no one to exchange your
smiles,
kind words
in this crowded classroom
with last period's gossip
on everyone's lips.
They sit
in the forgotten corner
in the forgotten last rows
in the forgotten seats.
They are
the shadows
we pretend aren't there.
We all do it.
The teacher does too.
We quickly grab our partners
hoping to avoid them.
"I have to work with him?!"
"Why do kids dress like this today?"
What makes an outcast?
That is the part
no one wants to
talk about,
but
I do.
Ignorance:
Something that must
be overcome.
"Hello, how has your day been?"
"Are you working with anyone?"
Talk.
Listen to the shadows.
Shine your light and
you may realize
they aren't shadows at all,
but people
just like
You.
