Even during recess my new friends welcomed me,

left their soccer game and ventured through the playground,

chanced a tackle from a “flag” football player

then marched through woodchips

to fill the empty swings beside me.


I looked up from my shoes

and saw three girls crossing the chaotic school grounds.

Painfully shy in a new school,

I fixed my eyes on the ground.


They introduced themselves

and swayed in swings nearby

then asked if I liked playing Tag.

We bolted in different directions,

and I laughed and screamed with lifelong companions.