twenty-two kids file into the classroom. 

they take attendance.

the clock reads five hours 'til the bell,

five hours of play and dress-up and raising hands

within the red brick walls of their kindergarten years

as palms reach out towards the sun

like the wings of a bird, open and free.

and the cool wind runs through his fingers

and sand forms castles beneath her hands

and joy jumps with its pumped-up fists

and the teacher claps and sings.

but for those whose minds are young and afraid

the hidden hands 

stay 

wrapped over their lips,

clasped on their shoulders,

welcoming them home

when the school bell rings.

so they slip through the cracks

and disappear 

beyond the classroom clock's gaze 

where one

two

eight days pass 

before attendance is taken again.

twenty-two students file into the classroom,

and they are all accounted for.

but a few know how

to disappear

and keep their hands from reaching out.

I'll be doing an improved version of this poem...just had to get it out in time for the Weekend-Write In. All suggestions for improvement are welcome. It's a lot longer than I would have liked.