I stand outside the chained school gates
But me, I’m there inside
Locked in with all my laughter,
my pencils, pens and pride

My happiness runs round the hall
My hope hides in my tray
My confidence with teacher
My dreams up on display

I stand outside my own front door
My house no place to play
where ghosts of gloom come gliding
to greet me every day

Anger in the attic
Fear beneath the floor
Worries in the wardrobe
Doubts stuffed into drawers

I stand outside the chained school gates
I wish that now was then -
Monday morning, 9 o’clock
When hometime's here again

©2010 Mark Bird