He was a boy back then
sitting in my classroom, head down
always primed for a fight as if the enemy that threatened
to swallow all the oxygen in our cramped space
was me, was him…just was
There weren’t many days I could coax a smile from his crooked mouth
but now and then, a glimmer of hope battled his perpetual scowl
and won
Those were days worth remembering
As we moved together in our lopsided dance
progress was made and lost and made again
His intelligence, a saving grace
His rage, a formidable enemy
My efforts, genuine but not quite enough
We both grew weary but pushed ahead
And as our time together drew to a close
I worried but let go, choosing to believe
potential would trump adversity,
that a few years beyond this teenage angst would smooth his rough edges,
that the thoughtfulness behind those angry eyes would persevere
When I read the local paper last night, I recognized it,
the power of anger
His name in black and white listed in a police report
drugs, violence, resisting arrest
still primed for a fight
I remembered his fleeting smile, remembered the hope
and acknowledged the failure that weighs heavy,
wondering if I could have done something to alter the path he now follows
A young man now making choices made that bring real consequences
I mourn for the boy I did not reach
photo: Pixabay
Writing and Reflections 
Apologise for a long delay in reading your words/experiences in poetic form…..I can feel the pain in this experience…..how hopes are dashed and yet we cannot understand why a negative outcome has to happen….
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No need to apologize! I’m happy you found the time to visit. I’ve been accumulating a wishlist of your artwork…I plan to hang some of your prints so that I can see them as I write. Very inspirational!
That poem was based on one of my students. It was many years ago but it still bothers me. I wish it could have ended differently.
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Peace, love of a partner, bonds of a family and the joy of being creative…..it’s a time for you….
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I can relate in many ways. Thank you for sharing. I ache for that boy.
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Thank you. It was sad news.
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I’m sure it was! XO
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So beautifully sad. Amazing piece of work, but I feel your heart in this too. 😦
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Thank you. It was a sad bit of news to read. 😦
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Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
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Thanks for sharing
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