Carlenea

Carlenea
comes from P.E., five minutes
after the bell—

in pajamas, slippers,
a pink pen,
and that ever-present smile.

A smile that tells her classmates
they matter,
that doesn’t apologize—
but buys forgiveness
with warmth.

She asks the questions
that prove she’s thinking,
really thinking,
about her world.

She surrounds herself with
neon velvet,
plush animals with button eyes,
softness she can hold—
and people
who don’t worry about time.

Because Carlenea
will build her world
the way she wants it:
bright,
gentle,
unrushed.

Clr 2012