Classmates

The girl in the picture

Is that really me?

What was she thinking,

What did she feel,

Who was she?

Curious I am,

For I don't recognize

The sun-bleached hair,

The careful smile,

Those maiden eyes.

20 bright hatchlings,

Hungry for the world.

Captured in a flash,

Innocent and pure,

Every boy, every girl.

Where are you now, I wonder,

Do you remember my name?

The quiet, peculiar one

Hiding in the back

Am I still the same?

There were friends and enemies,

Children are cruel, but young.

I do reminisce the harshness,

The perilous solidarity,

The tears on my tongue.

I don't recognize you, girl

Maybe someday I will.

I forgive your growing pains,

I hope you'll forgive mine too,

As I am growing still.