Coco

in the halls, we lean against the bulletin boards

and whisper of the latest news, last night's breaking, articles snagged

in the moments before leaving for school. lots of adults

think we are too young to understand

Everyone could make excuses

for when the bears showed up late

to the party

fashionably late

they called it

but when the bears came early

no one

could explain the questions

away.

They're obsessed with social media and two-second dating

we talk about climate change and ski racing

they'll talk about what they're supposed to

we'll talk about the world's problems and what to do

To be chosen. 
 

That's all I wish for — to be someone's first choice. 

I watch from afar, lost in a sea of the bittersweet feeling 

As others are always chosen first, but never me, 

Silence spreads. 

It blankets churning mouths like grazing cows come frost.

Never has the silence echoed so.