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