March #2

Learned To Assimilate

I refugee'd out of home to the school yard shore,

escaping solitude,

so I thought,

for a better way of life.

I learned that not everyone saw fairies,

or still had imaginary friends.

Soft ways were for the back yard

amongst the red glowing geraniums.

The asphalt of school met my hands and knees

as laughter held me down.

I hid my knowing,

drew a veil over my seeing eyes,

shut my truthful mouth,

and was led to
the detention centre of education.

— Helen Patrice