The bell just rang, the day is done
my time alone has just begun.
As I travel down the halls
I watch my friends and then recall
important times I spent with them
the ones upon whom I depend.

And as the hallways become sparse
from students leaving for their cars
I follow first behind the mass
then take a step onto the grass.
As I walk further from the road
on wild lawn, that’s never mowed
my peers and classmates pass me by.
Some look at me and wonder why
I choose to walk instead of ride
but hit the gas and pass on by.
Others feign they do not see
and simply do not look at me.

But as I walk with weary feet
my mouth dried out from mild heat
one of the dozens hits the brakes
and to the curb his car he takes.
He asks me if I need a ride
I thank him, but don’t step inside.

Although I journey on alone
a new camaraderie is known.
But many friends still pass me by
and see me with uncaring eyes.
Then a second car I see
offering their help to me.
“Hey, is something wrong?” they question
I smile and keep my direction.
I thank them for their concerned thoughts
and wave goodbye as they pull off.

With confidence revived anew
my path transforms to mixed brown hues.
The grass is dying, dirt now reigns
the space of land beside the lanes.
My throat is dry, my feet so ache
on rough terrain my ankles shake
And teachers pass without concern.
I smile at what they could learn
from a car that stops and turns aside
and offers me a seat inside.
I accept for now my journey’s done
my purpose gained, my goal is won.
For now I know, whom in the end
will be my comrades, and my friends.
For although my friends all chose to pass
the comrades chose to stop and ask.