elementary school f a c e

Another nod to Joe Brainard's "I Remember"

I remember when I was captain of the green table. I had the rowdiest boys at my table. We never won any points.

I remember the diamond bricks we sat on to get picked up from school.

I remember crooked lines and teachers yelling.

I remember “I am a peacebuilder” and laughing while our peace fingers crossed behind our backs.

I remember the giant map of the United States. California was yellow.

I remember Mr. Wong and multiplication tables. Only three of us got a black belt.

I remember the chokee, the closet of supplies Mrs. Itukazu scared us out of going into. I remember going in and staring at colored pencils.

I remember throwing hot Cheetos to my friends because I sat alone. I remember sitting out of recess for that.

I remember the 5^th graders singing “john Jacob jingleheimer says his name is my name too” at lunch.

I remember reading time. There were never enough books. I remember liking reading.

I remember California missions and Sybil Ludington. That damn horse wouldn’t shut up backstage.

I remember being Queen of Sheba instead of Indian woman #1. White kids man.

I remember riding the bus on sticky hot afternoons, trying to finish my homework while some chick yelled at Candy that song by Aaron Carter.

I remember the bus driver old man Tom. He always let me play Pokemon on my Gameboy.

I remember tether ball, kick ball and 4 square. I remember how I never played any of them because the boys were so mean.

I remember Ms. Frog, she never let us have fun.

I remember lady bugs peeing on my hands while my friends built them little stick houses in the field.

I remember 3 flags up and my finger, I stubbed it too many times to count.

I remember PE. I hated running. I still do.

I remember every day, Arthur at 4pm. Snack. Homework.

I remember pretending sand was lava. I wondered why I never sank when I fell.

I remember when Nicole called me fat.

I remember the principal’s office. Cool, brown, poofy chairs. I remember sitting there with my mom, explaining why Nicole was a b***h and that note deserved to make her cry.

I remember when my friend asked me if I could get darker. White people man.

I remember the nurse telling me the pencil lead would push itself out on its own. It’s still in my wrist.

I remember rainy day schedule. Loud echoing in the auditorium. Rancid smells of food and sweaty wet kids.

I remember 7 heads up. I liked that game a lot. I hoped they never picked me. They did.

I remember racing up and down the black top. I think I beat Kimmy T.

I remember western days and cake walks. Someone should teach kids those are bad.

I remember fall festivals and Halloween at Shadow Hills. I remember their haunted houses were never good.

I remember loving getting the bathroom pass so I could be alone. I still do.

I remember brushing my teeth after lunch. Surprisingly never getting teased for it.

I remember forgetting to read one night and forging my dad’s initials.

I remember wishing I was older. I remember being glad I wasn’t.