As I stare outside
cars passing
rain slowly falling outside the window
I tune back into the world
It’s a little after seven
I was young
uninformed of global current events
which lead me to believe that NPR
was an entire radio station
created to torture kids of my age
while on long car trips.
It was then that I began to pay attention
to my mother
who was currently showering me in praise
as she haphazardly
pulled into the parking lot of my elementary school.
Slick with the remnants of the previous night’s rain.
Brycen, Mrs. Champion tells me
that you’re an incredible student,
kind, attentive, and cute too.
She says as she reaches over to put her hand on my face.
Being a young boy at risk
of being seen with his mother by his fellow classmates
I was quick to dismiss her affection.
God Mom, I get it! Can I go now!
She stared at me
Her face blank
used to this sort of reaction by now
waiting a few seconds before responding.
You know,
you’re gonna talk that way to the wrong person one of these days
and get your butt beat
I hear her
unaware of the incredible amount of leniency
I have been given
James Bowie High School
12