The kids at the park got mean before dark,

there was dirt on my shirt, but they left a mark.

–

“Clothes should be cool,” they said, “and we make the rules.”

“Your shirt isn’t nice, take our advice.

It’s too small and unclean, you know what we mean.”

–

It was the best I could do when buying clothes new.

My dad took me shopping, but I grew and I grew.

–

My effort was there, it was true and I knew

The kids being mean should have a new view.

–

Someday they’ll see, when they grow like me,

Their clothes won’t fit eventually.

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The next day at school I felt like a fool,

I wore a new shirt but I was still hurt.

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There was no more dirt, but then it happened,

I spilled my yogurt and had no napkins.

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The kids being mean found me quick

They made sure I wasn’t in their clique.

–

“Another day, we must convey, you are dressed the uncool way.”

–

When the day had ended and classes were done,

I didn’t want to see anyone.

–

There was yogurt here and yogurt there,

The kids being mean pointed, laughed, and stared.

–

I went back to the park to wait for my dad,

I was tired, mad, sad and felt bad.

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Then I saw the kids being mean

This time to a member of their own team

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I approached with caution, but decided to stay

It was my only option, and I decided to say,

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“The kids being mean, first to me and now him,

please change your attitude, it makes us feel grim.

We are young and we are growing

our bodies change without knowing.

Let’s stick together

despite dirt, yogurt, or clothes that are better.”

–

The kids being mean looked at me and agreed,

being judgmental, there was no need.

–

“Your words have shown that we should have known

life is unpredictable, clothes get dirty and are eventually outgrown.”