Kindergarten

I have this memory.

I was very young,

maybe five.

A classroom of students

standing at attention,

waiting to file out.

Two by two,

quiet and orderly,

as it ought to be.

The little girl to my right,

ready to do it all correctly,

reached for my hand.

What is this?

No one said anything about hands.

I would not comply.

She cried.

Confused and angry.

Hurt, I suppose.

She could not comprehend

my shyness,

my humility.

She was so sad,

so offended,

so pretty.

So many tears.

So very loud.

I felt so very bad.

But, for whatever reason,

I would not comply.

She seemed incredibly nice.

Was she always incredibly nice?

I cannot recall.

If I could relive that moment.

I would hold her hand,

and give her the win.

At least,

she would have the day.

Thanks