Betrayal at 7

the internal chaos and fear

sometimes

wrought

by the image of betrayal so long ago

permeates in the now,

when reason and trust flee

you were a child that Saturday

just 7 years old

exploring differences at the park

not knowing not suspecting

you would be the topic of show and tell

on Monday

of the fourth week

of the first grade

you wanted so badly to fit in

to belong

to have friends

she was so proud

to raise her hand

to be the first

to tell about her weekend

       your weekend

and for that moment you were the fool

and ran in shame

and terror’

uncontrollably sobbing

buried your face

in the teacher’s dress

the shame and fear are long gone

but the images remain

along with resentment