Shame

 

By Jordan Esry

​

​

A normal December day

Students rolling in,

puffy coats swishing.

Nearly Christmas,

paper snowflakes hung,

each unique,

each appeared to be made

by kindergartners.

Sycamore Hills Elementary,

lit up with joy and Christmas lights.

It was story time in Mrs. Kent’s class.

A tree stood watch in the corner,

illuminated with tempting lights.

I chose my spot next to it,

excited to hear the story,

more excited to fidget with the tree.

My finger hovered over a bulb.

The tree went dark on contact.

My mind raced with panic.

Would my status as favorite student

disappear?

What would mom think?

As everyone stared at the unlit lights,

my head sunk

and tears flowed.

A classmate stood to pass out

Christmas candy.

He walked around me, giving me none.