I never felt
as hungry as I did
when I saw you
walk into my world.

The students were fresh,
their skin still tight.
All new faces, filling the space in the room.

It's their third year
and my first day.

You introduced yourself,
your hair golden, a strand falling between your eyes,
caressing the bridge of your nose.

"My name is Mia and I love to play outside with all my friends!"

Your name clawed at my heart.
Your hands touched the seat before you sat quiet.
Your hair brushed your hips.
You're missing a tooth.
The color of your eyes strangles me.
I can't breathe.

The rest speak their names and their favorite activity.

This is their third year

and my first day.