A Study in Contrast

In my tattered yearbook

there is a black and white photo 

that the English teacher shot

with sun streaming 

in through the window,

bathing me in liquid light 

It was a black night 

when my father 

opened the front door,

threatening to leave us,

not just my oldest brother,

his bedroom a grow-op,

his Sunday clothes in the closet, 
outgrown, too confining and tight

I say goodnight 

at my neighbour friend's home

when the curfew clangs;

I meander to my house, 

wishing on stars 

A new friend 

who lives past the town proper,

dares me to shoplift 

after drama class;

perhaps I can find 

a deep-coloured blouse

to cover the scars 

There are snapshots in boxes 

from younger friends' grads 

girls in turquoise and rhinestones, 

boys in bow ties;

I help find my daughter's gown,
a second-hand gem
from Value Village,

a blue velvet number
for $25 all told

Then came convocations

for her first and second degree

she paid full price for her choices, 

walking her own path

in bright pink stilettos, 

assurance tattooed 

on her tempered frame 

September is here

and she is there  

a different small town,

different students 

but somehow their stories

are somewhat the same;

She turns on 

the overhead projector;

through the window 

you can see

the leaves outside 

are turning to gold

---

September 13, 2017