Week 15: The Boy -- Rameau

What does the future hold?
By Heather Rameau
Woodstock Union High School, Grade 10

The young boy.
Spirited, full of energy, but alone.
Living a peaceful life,
yet screaming a silent moan.
Up at dawn, down at dark
Working all day
But he doesn’t have a say
His spirit young as the dawn of a new day,
His body burned out like ashes.

But he doesn’t care.
As if he would dare.
Hair tousled from the wind
A kind, relaxed nature about him

Wanting to burst from his shell but afraid,
afraid of what is to come.
Unsure. Intimidated.
But longing for something new.
Should he leave where he’s always been?

The farm. His home. His place.
Where he is safe.
But there is little. No clothes, no food, no heat.
He needs to add to his body some meat.
Buttons are missing from his coat.
There’s a huge rip in his only tote.
But there is no time, he is needed.
Always others needs above his own.
As far as he can see,
The farm is where he will always be.

He looks.
Staring into the distance.
Wondering where it will take him.
Should he try this leap of faith?
Like a bird about to fly,
Fly so high.
Apprehensive.
The young boy.