By Means of Example

BY MEANS OF EXAMPLE

10th grade you find she’s available, try

everything you might to catch her eye

despite the fact you know it would bore 

a hole in your unworthy skull. Is there 

a chance that the vacancy you’ve 

never yet attempted to articulate but always 

deep-down known is exactly her shape, 

that perfect, indescribable shape?

Is there a chance that here, Ms. Johnson’s

homeroom, you’ve found a home

the way that pencil has nestled in her 

hand as if it weren’t a pencil anywhere

else? Then, consider how you might 

respond if you were to find out 

she felt the same: Had wanted—no, 

had yearned—for you to come to 

her, admittedly unworthy (as you both 

are well-aware,) but daring nonetheless. 

If such were true, you may find yourself

inclined to stand up in your desk,

to shout—despite the consequences—

Allelujah!