By Megs
Date: 16 February 2000

Elementary Love

Silly notes in purple ink on pink paper with hearts to dot the i's
Do you like me?
Circle 'yes' or 'no'
A playground courtship 
where he ignored you in class
but saved you a seat in the cafeteria
and splurged on an oatmeal cream cake surprise
from the snack machine
with a little note to go along with it
'I love you 4-ever' 
At barely twelve 
You wrote his name and a plus sign and your name
Big hearts around the whole equation
Scribbled names for your kids in the margin
With a fat pencil with a fat eraser
Cause next week brought a new companion 
who might steal a kiss in the coatroom before recess.
Heart so sturdy it was brushed off 
as easy as your Osh Kosh bibs 
After a fall.