(This is what I wish happened in the basement…)
My hair’s in long brown braids with mismatched bows. My bangs are hanging low because I say so. Hearts splatter a pattern all over my shirt. My rainbow shorts are so tight they hurt. It’s my party. I’m eight! My friends are coming; I can’t wait! Brown suede roller skates strapped on my toes... I’m at my favorite place with people I chose. Here they come; they’re all here! Time to dance in a trance, Time to skate without fear. We all hold hands in a long chain. There are no tears; there is no pain. Laughing, living, loving, light! The terrazzo floor is smooth and right. ‘Round and round, smiles abound. twirling, swirling, feels so nice. Uh oh, here I go, Down, on the ground, whoa! In a quick, sudden blast. Wayyyyy too fast! I sit, still, sad I skinned my shin, but then I think about it again: I’m eight! I can skate! I can do ALL things great! I’ll stay down here for awhile And just take it all in and smile... Disco ball over my head, spinning, Music loud, the crowd grinning. I’m on the floor, lost in my space Wish I could stay forever in this place. I’m in a little dream, a moment with just ME, in a scene supreme... A memory-making chance, A snapshot of the present in a glance... I get up, find my friends for one more dance. I’m eight! Things are great. I’m lost in the happiness I create.