in-class-free-write

if i could send a message

to every ten-year-old

boy,

girl,

i would tell them

that they are perfect as they are.

dont change for anyone.

i would tell them

to never give up,

to always have dreams.

i would tell them

that love, trust, honesty, loyalty:

they are a universal concept.

men,

women,

they all understand.

i would tell them the we have all wished on stars,

prayed away mistakes,

and fought our own wars.

i would tell them

dolls or trucks,

dress-up or war,

it really doesnt matter,

as long as we played.

but most of all,

i would tell them

that in the end

were really not all the different.