When I was just five

The trees were alive

With witches and ghosts and trolls,

The way home from school

Full of scares and strict rules.

"Don't you go near no strangers! No tongues on cold poles!"



When I was thirteen

I was making the scene

Selling candy for profit, tempting young souls.

When school would let out

We'd shove, push and shout

Hanging out, having fun, watching fights were our goals.



Now I am eighteen and want to leave home

I'm eager for strangers and crossing big brooks

The world is alive with chances and dreams

And I know that the witches are only in books.



by Jeff Trudeau, Greenfield, MA