Crying in the night

A warm breast

Wailing wet and cold

Bright colors fluttering above

A painted ceiling chipped and cracked

Hushed voices, muttering tones

Slamming doors and epithets

The smell of soap on your clothes

Diapers and dirty knees

Eyes raised to smiling faces

Head bowed to escape scowls

Meals served on plastic trays

Cheerios on the floor

The whisper of a cricket's breath

The sting of a wasp

Fireflies just out of reach

A Santa Claus who never came

A teacher who inspires you

Others who berate you

Encouragement each day

Derision each night

A quest for answers

Expected to know them even when they don't

The wonder of a best friend

A broken heart of first love

Each day a greater hope

Disappointment at each turn

Picked up and held after a fall

Skinned knees and scabs from them all

Crying because you are happy

Take your beating and never cry

Reaching out to a waiting hand

Falling and never caught

Sadness of first leaving the nest

Doors slammed and locked behind you

A well-lighted path over the horizon

Not one, but many

Which would you grow up to be?