At lunchtime
on my first day at school
without the bandage
I visit Mr Korsky in his work shed.
He points at my arm and says,
‘How’s the damage, laddie?’
I hold it up
all white and skinny
and stiff and still a little sore
and I say,
‘Free! Free at last!’
Mr Korsky laughs
then he rubs his back
and looks a little worried
as if I might jump on him again
so I say,
‘No more flying, sir.’
He smiles,
‘Not without a plane, laddie.’