In 8th Grade

Reminiscing

There was a girl who would smile

Down every hall at everyone. 

Why do I remember that? 

 

My best friend wore earphones. 

She rarely spoke but always joked. 

She drew a picture of her mouth sewn. 

 

There was a girl who never hid. 

Laughed openly, Talked frequently, 

She had a blemish on her lip. 

 

There was a boy who liked to startle me  

by often saying hello abruptly.  

Why do I remember that?  

 

My art teacher had cancer and passed at Christmas  

I would have had his class after the holidays   

I had liked his Pandora playlist. 

 

In 8th grade  

I found a note in my locker 

“A diamond in the rough” 

Why do I remember that? 

 

An 8th grade boy  

Drew a wacky face  

In my notebook 

And it made me laugh. 

  

8th grade taught me to smile. 

I never thanked anyone. 

I remember that.  

Author's Note

Praise and disapproval welcome. Constructive criticism requested.

Reviews

[wredit.jordan]

I really enjoyed reading this poem. It's believable and relatable. We all have known someone or knew someone who knew the people you described like the cute little flirt between the guy and the girl, the best friend, the blemish, even the teacher who passed away. You're writing is very vivid. Reading this brought back memories.

[H L Rose]

I'm glad it brought memories! Thank you!

[emipoemi]

Apart from a couple of typos ("smiled" doesn't need the "d", and "everyone" is one word), this was mesmerizing. It felt like an opening or (especially at the end) closing narration to a film. It was a very enjoyable poem that could really drag the readers in. Brava! Well done!

[H L Rose]

Thanks! I'm glad it's captivating!