that everyone is staring
as I make my way to the back
of the classroom where the only seat
left open waits for me
the look my teacher throws my way
the quiet that takes over class when I arrive
the curious looks from my darkened upper lip
to my chubby waist
to my boyish clothing
can’t bring me down from
the high I feel
knowing
after school I’m leaving my dad
to spend the weekend with my mama