Scarf
I walk up to my desk, eyes not leaving my feet.
Today I'm wearing a scarf.
The tension and the strange look: I shouldn't be wearing one in this climate.
But as long as I have it, I shouldn't cause anyone's reaction, nor will they mention me.
I sit through this lonely hour, my heart filled with nothing but anguish.
Because I wish the day would end right now, though it had only begun.
And I dream of things to keep my heart busy, to trap that wail that might ooze out.
Hours later and that day had finally come to an end.
I can make my way back, back to a broken home.
Hopeful, I stand uncomfortably behind others as we wait the signal for the end.
But the teacher asks me to stay, and bluntly takes away my scarf.
Behind it she finds the inferno, a painful red.
I hide my face in my hands.
I wish time would stand still, but the silent hot tears would not.
I feel her embrace, but my back is turned away, in shame.
- opon