Standing Firm

She stands on the wall

by the doors;

the entrance to 

   where she learns

   where she plays

   where she belongs

With the innocent confidence of one who is five:

"This is my kindergarten; my school."

Looking forward

standing tall

"I'm here, I'm ready;

let's go."

And the trees grow tall

And the heart grows up

And her life moves on

and away.

In another city

at another time

she stands at the walls

that are blocking opportunities

for kids

   to learn

   to play

   to belong
With the unashamed confidence of one who is older:
"This is their kindergarten; their school."
Forward thinking
Rising to the call for equity
and kicking at the wall until it crumbles;

let's go.