Scratching the Surface (Poems)

Right and Wrong

At 8 years old, 

We stood by the side of the road. 

I said I wanted to jump 

Over the bump in the driveway 

With my new bike. 

I said it would be fine.

You shook your head.

You told me it was a bad idea 

And that I'd break my arm.

You were right. 

I was wrong.

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At 11 years old, 

I slumped on the grass beside you 

Groaning that I would never get a girlfriend, 

Like all the other boys had. 

You laughed at me, 

And told me someone would like me. 

I just had to wait.

You were right.

I was wrong. 

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At 14 years old 

I asked you why you wore those clothes. 

The ones with the rips and the dirty words. 

Wouldn't your parents be mad? 

You snorted 

And told me your parents didn't notice anything. 

Nothing that didn't concern them.

You were right 

I was wrong. 

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At 16 years old 

I hadn't seen you for a month. 

You were always out with your new friends, 

Doing who-knows-what in dark places. 

I begged you to stop 

Telling you you'd get in trouble. 

Telling you you might get hurt. 

You rolled your eyes, 

And told that I shouldn't worry. 

That I should stay out of other people's business. 

That nothing was going to happen to happen. 

That you would be fine. 

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But you were wrong 

And I was right