Speaking of Needs...

Speaking of Needs . . .

By Kennah McMahon
Essex High School, Grade 10

I want to be able to fall asleep at night
Without feeling like dreams are an escape.

I want to climb to the top of the
Mountain and lie on the
Emerald carpet of moss

And hold his hand in mine without
That nervous, boiling-insides feeling
Racking my entire body.

I would love to spend a few days
With my kindergarten teacher
And try to understand what

She tried to teach me 11 years ago.
I want to have the faith and peace
Of a young child again.

I want justice and equal opportunity
For all of us.
I want to be able to look back

On every word and touch and
Be able to justify the inappropriateness
Of them all. All I need is the

Inner peace, that would wash
Over me like a baptism of forgiveness
For my lazy tongue.

I want to drive through California in the passenger seat
Of a pink roadster, and speed its silver wheels along the rough
Roads that line the glass shores. I want to step into Hollywood

Without feeling inferior
But have the freedom and
Audacity to leave it all behind.

I want color and music, milk and cookies,
Fire to warm myself by at night, and water to bathe in.
I want to sit on the couch,

Drink a fine cup of tea, and hear you talk me
To sleep every night. I want to be able to
Surprise you and enlighten your mind.

I want to sing from the heart
Every time.