Bruises heal. Scars don't.

She still wears the scars from her previous relationship.

She is broken, and I am just picking up the pieces.

I love her and she knows that.

However she can't help her anxiety.

She can't help that she gets jealous.

She been hurt too many times

Her trust been broken too many times

She been cheated on too many times

She been hit too many times to count.

When I tell her I love her,

She doubts it, she can't help it.

When I tell her that she beautiful,

She thinks that I have an agenda.

She wonders why I am still here.

Why I look at her darkness and don't run away.

She wonders why I hold her tight,

Even though she crying for the umpteenth time.

Oh but I love her, with all her flaws and imperfection.

I don't see her past, I see a future with her.

When I speak sweetly, these words are foreign to her.

When we make love, she is surprised by my gentle touch, it is during these moments when she holds on to me tightly. What had once been a loveless act, in a loveless marriage, is now an enflamed act of passion.

But then she becomes scared, for she not accustom to a good thing, so she runs away.

However I catch her every time. For regardless of all her presumed imperfection, she is mine, and only mine.

Don't think so much.

You are always in your thoughts.

Plugging away at hypotheticals,

Analyzing every possible variable.

You are paralyzed by indecision.

A slave trapped in your own mind,

When the reality is that you are free.

Truth is, you have always been free.

Stop waiting for the right moment,

Create it. Be the agent of change,

who brings about your own happiness.

Break free from their condescending tone, and condemning judgement.

You are always worrying too much about others,when will it be their turn for them to concern themselves about you?

Yes you will fall sometimes, but when you make mistakes, learn from them and grow. For experience has proven time and time again to be one of the world's greatest teachers.

Now stop overthinking and go, for the greatest mistake you can make is to never know.

Location: Aiden Bedroom

Aiden: (Looks at his alarm clock on the nightstand. It says 12:37. He sighs heavily, as he rolls over to face the wall while scrunching his pillow)

(Next several panels show Aiden attempting to find a comfortable way to sleep. I leave what exactly is drawn to the artist discretion. Several ideas I propose are to have Aiden try to sleep sideways, and getting frustrated. Another possible panel would be Aiden trying to count sheep, however he forgets what number he is up to, and having to start all over. Whatever the case may be, each panel needs to show the time becoming progressively later until we reach 6:30. On this final panel, Aiden is finally asleep only to be awaken by his alarm clock. In this panel I would like Aiden to be drawn with huge bags in his eyes having his hand reach over to turn off his alarm. Not a word is said, Aiden just sighs, just like in the first panel.)

** INSOMNIA** (title is placed here. Also any possible episode name)

Location: Aiden 8am class /Mr. Hamilton class

(Aiden’s teacher Mr. Hamilton is a tall man of slender build with moon shaped spectacles. He is wearing a black cardigan over a white button down with a black bowtie to match. He is accompanied by a mug of coffee in his hand, regardless of this mug of coffee, he is speaking in a rather emphatic motion with much hand gestures.)

Mr. Hamilton: “The dream is the realm of the subconscious. Often time it is in the dream state where the thoughts which are often time suppressed come to light. Wegner’s Dream Rebound Experiment proved to do just that. In this experiment… “

(Mr. Hamilton is cut off by Aiden snoring. Aiden is sleeping at the back of the room by the window seat. Head on his desk, fast asleep. What Aiden is wearing is again at the will of the artist till we figure out Aiden style of dress.)

Mr. Hamilton: (with a smirk) “Seems as some of us have already entered into the Dream state. Well, this is as good place as any to end class. I will see you all for class on Wednesday.”

(As the class files out, Aiden remains asleep, his teacher walks over to his desk. Some of the students look at Aiden snickering, however a strong gaze from Mr. Hamilton sends them on their way.

(Mr. Hamilton stoops over Aiden’s desk, clears his throat, before deciding to rasp his knuckles on the desk Aiden slept on. However, he only response Mr. Hamilton received is Aiden snores. Slightly agitated, the teacher decides to hit Aiden in the back of the head, which jolts Aiden wide awake.)

Aiden; (still groggy tries to rub his eyes before muttering)

’[I’m so sorry professor I…. wait, where is everyone?!

Mr. Hamilton: I ended class early. Also, no need to apologize Aiden…. It is Aiden, am I right?

Aiden: Yes Mr. Hamilton, my name is Aiden Hawes.

Mr. Hamilton: Good, good. I generally don’t have the greatest memory when it comes to student’s name. Anyway, it is I who must apologize to you Aiden, clearly today’s lecture on the nature of dreams proved to do very little to incite your interest.

Aiden: It is not that Professor Hamilton, I…. I’m having a hard time sleeping at night.

Mr. Hamilton: Well that understandable, most people fail to have a proper night rest for a variety of reasons. Perhaps, being a freshman, this is your first time being truly away from home, which might make you a little homesick.

Aiden: (a little flustered at the mention of him being homesick) (Draw Aiden becoming red)

“I can ensure you that it not that Mr. Hamilton. I’ve have had trouble sleeping since sophomore year of high school. I’ve tried everything.”

Teacher: Hmm, is that so?

Aiden: “Yeah”, looks to the window, and says almost to himself, “What I wouldn’t give for a good night sleep.

Teacher: If that the case, maybe we can help each other Aiden.

Aiden (becomes very intrigued) “How would you be able to do that?

Teacher: Teaching freshman an introductory course in dream states isn’t the only thing I do for the University. I am currently researching new alternatives for those who struggle to find restful sleep.

Aiden: “Oh really, any breakthroughs so far?”

Teacher: “Well, currently we are on the final stages of testing our Rest procedure on volunteers……”

Aiden: (becoming suspicious) Is this where you offer me the option to become a human test subject Mr. Hamilton?

Teacher: Well if you refuse, then I wish you best of luck in trying to stay awake for class. I do not believe that I need to remind you that if you fail my course, you would not be able to maintain your scholarship. The choice is yours, Mr. Hawne”.

(teacher walks out classroom, allowing for Aiden to ponder his options.)

Aiden: (internal thoughts) I have no real intentions on becoming somebody test subject…. (Looks out window) Yet again, it would be nice to get a restful sleep for a change

Second Scene. Aiden’s Bedroom

Located in Aiden’s cramp one-bedroom dorm room. The room is messy; as musty shirts are hanging off the side of the bed. Alarm clock says 9pm.

Aiden: (in his pajamas, Exclaims triumphantly in his dorm room to no one in particular.)

“If I go to bed early enough, then I will eventually have to fall asleep!”

(Next Panel) Aiden is in bed snuggled up. The next panel is all black just white lettering which represent Aiden inner thoughts.

“Don’t think about anything. Don’t think about nothing.” I wonder why Alisha didn’t say hi today… Did I do something wrong? Mr. Hamilton has a very sharp bow tie. I wonder how he does it…. Wait, I am thinking again.”

The alarm clock says 11:30am. Aiden is sitting at his desk by his laptop looking up videos. “How does one tie a proper bow tie.”

(Following panels left to the artist discretion) Aiden struggles to create a proper bow tie. Getting frustrated at certain points. Final panel could possibly have him with his hands to the sky, yelling in frustration.)

Aiden wakes up, and drags himself out of bed. He thinks to himself, it is weird that I haven’t heard my alarm clock. He stubs his toe on his broken alarm clock.

Aiden: “Ow ow ow ”

Picking up his phone from the night stand, he sees that the time is now 10:45 am.

Aiden: Damn it! I overslept!!!!

(Next several panels show Aiden getting ready within 15 minutes, one panel of Aiden brushing his teeth violently, another one, where Aiden is trying to hop into his jeans.)

The Rotund overhead classroom clock has the time of 11:10am. At the front of the classroom, stands a heavy set short professor who has reddish hair. Miss Ambridge is a stickler for classroom discipline. We open up the scene with Miss Ambridge facing the classroom, and we are panned out far enough that the scene shows the number of students in the classroom.

Aiden: opens the door to the classroom, and immediately 30 pairs of eyes look directly at him.

Aiden: “I’m sorry I’m late.”

Miss Ambridge: “Late is an understatement Mr.….

Aiden: “Hawes.”

Miss Ambridge: “Mr. Hawes, I am afraid that I cannot allow you to partake in this lesson.”

Aiden: What, Why?

Miss Ambridge: “Well for starters, class started at 10 am. It is neither fair to myself or your cohorts if I were to allow you into the classroom this late. Secondly, you must be responsible for your actions Mr. Hawes. You may have been able to pull this type of stunt while in high school, but those same tactics will not work here. Being tardy to your studies is a disrespect to those who are facilitating the lesson. And for that Mr. Hawes, I bid you good bye.

Miss Ambridge turns to write something on the chalkboard. Aiden, who is*flustered*, wishing to say something back, however all he can do is clench his fist, as he knows it would be best for him to hold his tongue. turns to walk out of class, head down

Miss Ambridge: “Oh and if you are late again Mr. Hawes, don’t bother showing up to my classroom.

Aiden: walks out without saying a word.

Location: Mr. Hamilton Office. Room number 437.

Aiden knocks on Mr. Hamilton office.

Mr. Hamilton: “Come in”

Aiden walks into Mr. Hamilton room which is quite cramp, as thick books fill the shelves. Though there isn’t much space, everything is well organized. Mr. Hamilton’s desk is clean. Mr. Hamilton is sitting back on his chair, his eyes buried in a giant paperback book. Mr. Hamilton looks up to see Aiden, and flashes him a smile.

Mr. Hamilton “What a pleasant surprise, Mr. Hawes, please take a seat.”

(Aiden takes a seat)

Aiden: “I was considering the offer you made yesterday about a potential solution to my insomnia.

Mr. Hamilton: Is that so? (Mr. Hamilton peers at Aiden with keen interest in this panel).

Aiden: (trying to act casual) Well I figured that it would be unwise of me to knock an alternative procedure, based off an uninformed decision.

Mr. Hamilton: Ah yes, why of course. Essentially the product we have been working on is a pill, which taken once a night, induces sleep within 5 minutes of consumption.

Aiden (looking incredulous) That’s it! Really?! Mr. Hamilton, with all due respect, if I wanted sleep medicine, I could have gotten it over the counter at some pharmacy.

Mr. Hamilton (defiant) (Up to artist, what defiant looks like): This isn’t just some over the counter drug. This pill allows you the opportunity to remember your dreams vividly.

Aiden: (Interest peaked) “What do you mean, “remember your dreams vividly?”

Mr. Hamilton: Aiden, did you know, that every time you sleep, you also dream? *polishes his spectacles* Unfortunately for most, the memory of their dreams are quite fleeting, with only the most vivid of dreams remaining as part of our conscious when we wake up. In theory, this drug allows you to remember, as well as dictate what happens every time you dream.

Aiden: (taken back) Woah

Mr. Hamilton: Mr. Hawne, I don’t think I have to explain to you the potential breakthrough this pill may have. To have your subconscious explore potential answers to your underlying questions through dreams, and yet not remember the moment one wakes up…….is truly a travesty. (Mr. Hamilton is looking elsewhere, not truly having a conversation with Aiden but himself)

Aiden: Seems as if this is personal to you?

Mr. Hamilton: (caught off guard by this question, coughs, look down for a moment, and regains his composure by avoiding the question.)

“Mr. Hawne earlier you asked how is this drug different from an over the counter sleep medicine? This drug allows you something that no one else could. To delve deep into your sub consciousness. I not only offer you a solution to your insomnia, but a potential understanding of your own self.”

Aiden: (looks suspiciously) So what exactly is in it for you?

Mr., Hamilton: (reaches behind him, takes a vial which contains roughly 60 pills, and slides it across his desk in Aiden direction.) All I asked of you in return is for you to log a dream journal each night of your experience. That’s it, simply journal the exploration of your subconscious.”

(Aiden picks up the vial and toys with it in his hands, silent for a moment.)

Aiden: “I can’t deny that I am interested….

Mr. Hamilton: (checks his watch) Mr. Hawne, take tonight to decide. There is no rush. I however must take my leave, as it is time for my next class to begin.

(Aiden and the professor shake hands)

(Aiden steps aside in an effort to give Mr. Hamilton enough room to move. Mr. Hamilton makes his way out of classroom, leaving Aiden by himself.)

Aiden remembers the professor’s words echoing back to him.

(Professor words: “This drug allows you to remember, as well as dictate what happens when you dream.”)

(“I not only offer a solution to your insomnia, but a potential understanding of your own self”)

(Fade to black)

Scene 3- Aiden’s Bedroom

Aiden is tossing an in the air while lying in bed. The pills are on top of his dresser, right next to his phone. ball

(Flashbacks of Miss Ambridge class)

(Miss Ambridge: Late is an understatement”)

(Miss Ambridge: you must be responsible for your actions Mr. Hawes.)

(Next panel: Aiden grits his teeth. Throws the ball harder, as he gets frustrated)

(Miss Ambridge: if you are late again Mr. Hawes, don’t bother showing up to my classroom.)

Next Panel; Aiden anger gets the best of him. He throws the ball hard enough against the wall, that he misses the catch, and the ball ends up bouncing away.)

Aiden, stands up on his bed. He looks at his counter; it is 11:43pm. The pill lying in the desk.

Aiden walks over to the desk, takes a pill out the vial, looks at it and mutters, “what’s the worst that can happen.” (swallow the pill and goes back to bed.

Scene 4- Dream State

Location: Hawne Castle

Soldier: “Sir Hawne, SIR HAWNE, we are UNDER ATTACK!”

(The castle is under attack as a battering ram attacks the castle.)

Soldier: “Sir we need a COUNTERATTACK NOW!

Aiden wakes up in a confused haze, “What is going on?!”

Soldier: ’Oh it those pesky Brits, good sire. They have concentrated their attacks on our stronghold with their battering ram.

(Aiden looks out his widow. The battlefield around the castle is chaotic. The only thing that is constant is the thumping of the battering ram.

Aiden: (inner monologue. “I must be dreaming. This dream is extremely life like, could this be the result of the pill?”)

Soldier: GOOD SIRE, we need a plan now!”

Aiden: (Inner monologue: Think Aiden think. I need to stop the battering ram before it breaks through the castle. What to do?)

Joan: (on top of the castle.) Steady your aim, gentleman

Archers lined up on castle wall, bows ready)

One archer mutters a little too loudly: Who would of thought that I would be taking orders from a woman.

Joan: Straighten that bow soldier! This very same woman that you have cursed, today will be your savior! FIRE GENTLEMEN!

[100s of bows block out the sun, as the French bow and arrows find their home in the torso of British soldiers.)

(Joan takes a horn out from under her side, blows on it, and soldiers hiding in trenches outside the wall, attack the British forces)

(The British have been flanked! Trapped on both sides.)

“Hold this.” Joan gives the end of a rope to a Giant of a man standing beside her. The giant man nods silently. Joan then with a smile takes the other end of the rope where an arrow is attached. Taking aim with the arrow, Joan shoots the arrow at a giant oak tree on the battlefield. Then winking at the Giant man, Joan takes her bow, jumps on to the rope, and slides down into the battlefield. Swiping her sword at enemies along her way, until she reaches a safe landing, she does a superhero landing, (lol) and then turns to give a thumbs up to the giant man, before continuing the fight.

“Who is that?” Aiden asked the soldier, looking on from his window.

Soldier looking on with disgust: “That is Joan of Arc, can you imagine sire, a woman doing men’ work”

Aiden: “Regardless if she is a man or woman, one thing for certain, she just saved us all.”

Soldier: “But sire.”

Aiden: (taking confidence) “I believe that it is time that we join the battlefield ourselves.”

Soldier: Yes, sir! Right this way sir!”

Aiden, as he follows the soldier out of the castle: (Inner monologue, I don’t even know how to fight….)

As Aiden and the soldier, rush down the spiral staircase, in order to join the fight, as they pass different servants, they are greeted with servants bowing, and repeating the phrase “My Lord”

Aiden: (inner monologue: Well, if anything, it is good to be the one in charge around here.)

Location: Battlefield

Joan of Arc is fighting two soldiers at once, she dodges an attack high, by ducking low and parries a blow from second assailant that aim at her head. Her parry sends the second soldier back, Joan then dodges a jab attempt by the first soldier with his sword, and follows that by leg sweeping him. The second soldier regaining his composure off that initial parry, lunges forward, Joan side steps this attack, takes a hidden knife and goes for the knight neck. The second knight falls dead. However, the first soldier charges at her, Joan takes her sword, and engages in a one on one duel. Though the soldier is much stronger, and is able to unleash a furious combo, Joan weaves her way, nicking the soldier each time. First she nicks him in the arms, the shoulders, the legs. (This one on one duel is left to the artist discretion.)

However possible taunts during the battle are

Soldier: Death to the witch of France!

Joan: Witch, is that what they are calling me now? (gets another blow in)

Soldier: Long live Britannia

Joan: Your death will be in vain, poor soldier. Britannia banner will fall today! (Joan administers the Death blow)

Aiden: (Finally reaches the battle field)

One of the soldiers notices Aiden: THE PRINCE HAS JOINED THE FIGHT!

(cheers arise throughout the battlefield)

A giant man walks in Aiden path.

Giant bloke: Prince of France? Huh, smaller than I imagined.

(The giant bloke raised his mighty hands in an attempt to smash Aiden

Aiden barely rolls out the way.

Giant Bloke: Faster than I imagined too.

Aiden: (inner monologue, I should use my sword to defeat him.)

Aiden: (draws his sword)

Giant bloke: Finally, things get a bit interesting

Aiden swing his sword at the Giant, which is met, by a punch from the Giant. Aiden sword breaks, as he is flung in the air, and into a nearby wooden shed. Aiden is slow to get up, as he is coughing up blood.

The Giant bloke walks slowly to Aiden, shaking his head, “Definitely weaker than I imagined.

Reaching Aiden, the Giant towers over Aiden. Before he puts his foot up in an effort to squash Aiden like a bug, “Good night prince.’

Aiden closes his eyes, but he is saved by the giant who helped Joan of arc earlier. This giant, saves Aiden, by lowering his shoulder and bum rushing the Giant bloke. Though both giants are huge, it is noticeable that the Giant Bloke stands a full head over the French Giant.

French Giant: “Out of all places we are reunited once more, on the battlefield. However, I cannot allow you to take the life of the Prince of France.”

Giant bloke sneered “And you are going to stop me, baby brother?”

French Giant, standing in between Aiden and the Giant Bloke “If I have to, I will”

Giant bloke: (laughs) So the rumors are true. You joined a band of mercenaries that has sworn its allegiance to France. (moves a step forward

French Giant: “Not a step forward” (draws sword)

Giant Bloke: (Stops) “You show more allegiance to a paycheck, then your own blood? (spits on the grown) Pathetic.”

French Giant: (Remain stoic, sword remains in front, he has not said a word, nor has he moved from his fighting position.)

Giant Bloke: (sneers) “Well, seems as if you give me no choice.” (takes fighting position and begins charge toward French Giant)

(A white Flares fly overhead, signaling the British retreat)

Giant Bloke: (stops in tracks)

“Seems as if fate has averted your death by my hands for the time being. Till the next time we meet on the battlefield brother.” (Giant bloke, turns abruptly and walks forward. No one dares engage him one on one. The French Giant also does not bother going for a cheap shot. Instead he picks up Aiden in his hands and carries him, as he attempts to regroup with the rest of the French army.

*On the battlefield*

Remnants of the British army are fleeting. French soldiers are cheering, their victory. The cheering becomes hush as the leading commander of the castle stands on an elevated hill, and bellows

“Men we are victorious.” (cheers are heard, which are quickly quieted)

Collect the spoils of war, men, we will distribute so that we may distribute it to every man evenly. For unlike the savages of the North, we treat those who shed blood for the kingdom with dignity.”

(This declaration of shared spoils is greeted with great uproar)

Joan of Arc is far out. She smiles contently. As she picks up a chain mail, to add to the pile, but she is stopped by a screech which chill her bone.

“EXCEPT FOR YOU, WITCH” (the speaker is off panel.)

Joan turns to look for who has accused her, and it happens to be the leading commander.

Leading commander: “You are lucky that we even keep you alive.”

Joan: “You are just angry that it took a woman’s touch to defeat the Brits.”

Leading commander: Watch your mouth witch, or you might just end up burning at the stake.

Joan feels the men, turning on her, as they begin to encircle around her. Joan feels compel to draw her sword for protection.

Off panel: No one lay a hand on her.

Next panel: We see Aiden still being carried by the giant, now opting to sit rather than lay.

Soldiers bow where they stand. And Joan of Arc, after hesitating for a moment, decides to bow as well.

The Leading commander, still standing on the top of the hill, stammers: “But my lord”

Aiden: (clearing his throat) Joan has shown much bravery in the light of battle, turning the tides of war. She should be herald a hero!

The giant reaches Joan. Aiden jumps out of his hands, and approaches Joan.

Aiden notices that Joan is very beautiful, with a soft face, and big eyes. Aiden blushes)

Joan, no longer bowing. “Thank you my Prince, the Owl mercenary group is at your service. All we seek now is to take our dividend of the plunder, and then be on our way.”

Aiden: (focusing on Joan’s lip, he remembers Mr. Hamilton words. Inner monologue: “According to Mr. Hamilton, I should be able to control the outcomes of this dream. Well time to test his theory.”

As Joan turns to leave, Aiden holds her arm, and brings her in for an embrace, and a kiss.

Joan is taken by surprised, and the men around Aiden look surprised, in the background I suggest some men with open mouths, others with raised eyebrows.

Joan promptly smacks Aiden so hard, that it crumples him to the ground. Aiden jolts awake, as the alarm on his phone starts blaring.

Aiden is left rubbing his red cheek, saying “Owwwwww”

**End of First Chapter. **

Chapter 2.

Aiden wakes up rubbing his cheek, it is rosy red, from where Joan of Arc had slapped it.

Aiden turns off his ringing alarm clock. Time on his phone says 6:31.

Inner monologue as Aiden gets ready for school. Here we will have Aiden brushing his teeth, whatever else is up to the artist rendition.

Aiden Inner monologue: Besides the slap in my face, and the bruise on my side, that was the most restful sleep I’ve had in a long time.

Aiden looks at his phone it says 7:30. Inner monologue: Usually I have to rush to class, but not today. Aiden begins strolling to class.

Aiden walks into class at 7:50. He is one of the first kids in class. Aiden takes the same seat he had on the first day, facing the window. The only other person in class is a short girl who is sitting in the front of class. She is wearing a black turtleneck, and has brown big eyes.

Aiden doesn’t notice her, on her way to his desk. Soon students begin to file in to class. Mr. Hamilton files into class as well, pushing his spectacles back on his face, as he walks in. Mr. Hamilton looks over at Aiden momentarily, before stating

“Sorry I am late, ladies and gentleman, lets dive right into things shall we?”

**Fast forward to the end of class. **

Mr. Hamilton: “Though sleep is imperative to all living organism, scientist still struggle to understand why living organism actually sleep. Can you imagine that? A human adult sleeps a third of the day, yet no one seems to know the reason why……”

(Mr. Hamilton has everyone in the classroom attention at this moment.)

**Bell rings**. Good as time as any for us to end. We will reconvene same time on Monday.”

(The class begins to file out, Aiden is putting his books away.)

Mr. Hamilton nonchalantly says; “Aiden may I speak to you for a moment?”

They think I am not interested, but I am,

Maybe it because I sit all the way in the back of the class.

Maybe, it is because since the start of the semester, I haven’t said a word

However, I am very much engaged.

Who wouldn’t be if they had 5th period Global with Ms. Keely?

Ms. Keely who is 20 something, vibrant, and full of life,

Who wouldn’t be interested in Mrs. Keely class,

Her jokes are a little dirty, but they are always in good nature.

Everyone laughs, and no one gets hurt,

I mean how could they, it’s all in good nature.

And even though I have never raised my hand in class

It is in Ms. Keely 9th grade history class is where I feel most at peace.

So why don’t I speak?

It isn’t as if I don’t know the answer,

I’ve answered every question she asked under my breath.

Yet knowing the answer won’t make me stammer any less.

I mean, I wish I could be as cool as Josh,

He isn’t as bright as me, but he definitely quick witted.

Him and Ms. Keely always have fun building off each other’s jokes,

Yes, they are a little dirty, but everyone laughs,

And no one gets hurt.

Ms. Keely always encourages me to speak up,

She always seems to look in my direction first after asking a question,

Always with a smile, as if to say,

“ Come on, I believe in you”

I know I really should say something,

Ms. Keely is nothing but supportive and nice, and she does believe in.

Also I will never make friends sitting in the back of the class, not saying a word.

So I plan to say a dirty joke next class, just like Josh does during class,

This way I can prove that I am just as smart, and Ms. Keely will laugh just like she always does.

Ms. Keely starts class with a question,

I instantly raise my hand!

The minute I say my joke, everyone will laugh, I just know it!

Ms. Keely is so happy to see my hand raised,

She calls on me instantly, and with a deep breath I say my joke

It was a little dirty, I confess, but I’ve heard worse.

And though I thought Ms. Keely would laugh as she does with Josh,

I got an opposite reaction

Her eyes widen, and her smile left her face,

Crossing her arms, she looked at me with contempt.

I didn’t understand why she wasn’t laughing as usual,

Maybe, the joke wasn’t as funny as I thought,

I try to stammer an apology, but it was to no avail.

In a tone voice we haven’t heard all semester, I was sent to the principal office.

It’s not fair,

Wasn’t this the same classroom I was told to be myself?

Yet here I was walking past my classmates,

Head down, shuffling my feet as they muttered about me.

Before darting out the room I took a quick look at Ms. Keely face,

At that instant it all clicked,

How much of a fool I was?

You see that I am black, and she is white.

And though race shouldn’t matter,

Unfortunately, it always does.

Though it never actually stated, we all recognize

What is being implied, my color of skin makes me threat to the white woman.

Beware of the oversexualized African American

Though he is only in 9th grade, be fearful of his dirty jokes,

Which are definitely a little dirty, but I have certainly have heard worse.