the eighth grade

i think i peaked

in the eighth grade.

i had it all figured out.

bylcreme in my hair.

my blue jeans on.

my white t-shirt tucked in.

the fastest boy on the block.

i even had my

first kiss that year.

my grades were good.

i discovered books

and art.

poetry.

i had a pocket full of

money from

my morning paper route.

i had a dog, a best friend.

i could sing, i could dance.

swim. i would listen

to the radio, knowing

all the songs.

i heard california dreaming

for the first time

that year.

i want the eighth grade again.