on a cusp

middle school, and anxiousness

what a gift it is

to witness and cheer on

the middle schooler awakening

into the power of mind and heart,

the middle schooler, though,

has settling down on them

more than their fair share of anxiousness,

a fear that each is an imposter,

just faking it

while others must be real,

thus school can be a source of tests

that cannot be passed,

how sad it can be to wake up into fear,

to turn a corner and be hugged by anxiety,

no wonder that silliness and avoidance call to them,

just as with many of us, each can be on a cusp,

and the mature side of the choice is heavy.

by Henry H. Walker

September 26, ‘19