Grade Four

I would like to have been there,

in Algarve…

just a brussel-sprout.

 

Watching the fishermen glide their rods over the cliffs,

the long lines swaying, boundless –

waiting for action far below.

 

I would like to be on those old VHS recordings,

on which now upon viewing,

I can only see my ghost.

 

I would like to have spent time there,

in my grandparents once owned apartment,

watching their tanned smiles and full grown hair.

 

But instead I chose to keep looking,

at Mrs. Herman’s warm blue eyes,

which back then, found an anchor in my novice heart.

 

I decided to remain in school, an obedient boy.

foolish perhaps –

in bad taste.

 

Looking back, there would have been absolutely no consequences,

for departing –

for two short weeks.

 

And I would have gained a new view of the world.

an ocean away –

in unmarked lands.

 

But instead, I stayed.

Untarnished in my grade four classroom,

which smelled of paper and clogged air.

 

And just sat there,

silently enjoying,

Mrs. Herman’s pretty face and long blonde hair.

 

Marek Birner – March. 20. 2013..