When all of the other children were told to walk

I was the kid who ran deafly at his own pace,

My pants filled with exotic, dancing ants.

When my classmates were encouraged to raise their hands

I was the one at the front yelling and screaming out all of the answers,

My jaw snapping to share what was on the tip of my tongue.

When my coach's whistle sounded the attention of the team,

I was the one who would skate off into a world all of my own.

(This powerful dictator controlled my mind, even when I needed to listen most.)

When my Dad told my sister and me to walk gently in the fine china store,

I was the kid who would then proceed to tip-tap, and stomp off into every which direction.

My feet itching with energy.

When my mom advised me to stay away from the berries in the nearby forest,

I was the kid who precariously became sick only a week later.

My tongue hypnotized, my taste buds marching towards the bushes.

When my Grandmother cautioned me not to play near her garden

I became the heroic baseball player who soared into her most treasured zucchini bush,

My legs tightening as the wind whispers . . . 'save the ball'.

When all of the others desperately needed a laugh

I was the guy who would pick on the nerd,

My eyes racing to ridicule the helpless soul.

When it came time for Miss Roy to pick groups in Art

I could be found near the back of the classroom at my table for one.

(I was such a good thinker I didn't need to work with the others.)

When all of the others got good marks and comments on their report cards

I was the one who would cry all the way home in disgust-

My innocent tears pouring down my cold face in search of an answer.