June 10th

My last time

Walking down steps

Of a rickety, yellow home

Leaving shouts and laughter

Behind me

My last time

Walking down steps

Of a home I hated every afternoon

Leaving uncomfortable gray seats

And small children standing up

Jumping at the one bump in the road

As the bus glides over,

Getting closer and closer to home

My last time

Arriving at my street,

Children moving out of aisles

For friends or family to slither by

My last time

Saying "thank you"

To the old man or woman

Who yells at misbehaving fourth graders

Who has a heart of greater strength

Or courage than anybody else

To be a bus driver for young, loud kids

My last time

Walking down steps

Of a rickety, yellow home

That I hated every Tuesday and Friday

My last time

Having a sigh escape my lips

As cold wind blows over me

And I'm left standing alone,

As a rickety, yellow home

Rides away

My last time

Taking steps,

10 more, count breaths

My last time,

Walking to my real home

With sweat dripping down my forehead

And the sound of those walls

Holding me closer

My last time

I don't want to have to say goodbye.