Marilena

The first time I saw Marilena she was wearing a dull dress under an ill-fitting jacket and her hair was in braids I got up early as I always did To catch the school bus For that long trek So when lunch hour struck It was my time to Relax and sit back Listen to the popular grade 7 clowns Spiel their daily standup comedy show It was the same day after day Then one lunch A side group Invited me to join them Of course they were the nerds And Marilena led the group She was interesting and strong I liked her and it was tempting Until I came across lazy four eyes Who stared back as if She needed me to entertain her I just didn’t have it in me I’m sure I misread her but I knew They would have wanted Something from me More than just sitting There on the sidelines Being the wallflower Not contributing and not being noticed I always remembered that as a pivotal point Where I missed the opportunity of seeing Where Marilena and her group might have led me And what challenges would have expanded my mind AP: Honorable Mention 2021 Posted on November 15, 2017