The Schoolboy

The Schoolboy

By Jonathan Francesco

Word Count: 182

Rating: G

Summary: The hope in a schoolboy’s eyes fade as the years roll by. 

 

Eyes of blue and curly hair of brown

So free and happy as he walks home from school

Every weekday at three twenty

Past the home of an old recluse

Who watches from his window

As the schoolboy wanders by

Unaware of the melancholy eyes

Beyond the shaded glass

 

The joy the boy must bring his folks

When he comes home with an “A” and a kiss

And the wide-eyed wonder of this daring dreamer

Perhaps keeps them in a state of bliss

Or maybe neglect and abuse

Steal his innocence after dark

Inflicting injuries hidden from inquiring eyes

And just his hesitant step to show the hurt inside his heart

 

From that fearful first day

Through the end of senior year
His familiar face remains a reminder

Resembling so much a long buried hope

Those warm brown locks

Amplify the echoes of laughter
And replay snapshots of sparkling blue eyes

Enchanting smiles and shared embrace

 

Until an autumn when the footsteps cease

And the lonely old recluse falls forever asleep
Haunted by the memories
Of lifeless love cradled in shaking arms

Original Poetry