candy cane grams

“send a candy cane to a friend

for two glossy quarters!”

see them smile in the classroom

as they are passed out in order

the boy walked in, bucket in hand

the students’ blank eyes turn bright

for they don’t want to be the only one

without a candy cane in sight

without a cheesy message

from a kind, thoughtful friend

without the sensation of sweetness

combatted with minty-ness in the end

but as the bucket had almost emptied

no candy cane in her hands

she began to feel somewhat somber

embarrassed, trying to understand

did she have any friends who cared enough

to recognize her with a present?

no, i think her friends just valued her company

more than something fifty cents.

i looked over at the girl,

the only one without a cane,

and was surprised to see her smiling

without an ounce of pain.