The rock I kicked was simply granite, not to take my life for granted but smacking up against the curb contrite I might put it for blurb, it felt like more than boredom’s play, a sour sadness I felt that day. It speaks to age the days remembered the way or form my sentence is tendered, for that younger one would surely say, “I don’t know, I don’t feel like play.” Prodded further, questioning why, blank expression on face of mine, I stood there lonely with rock my friend, but certainly remember not knowing how to begin.  Kick it, catch it, pop it off grey rail and roll it does into the street, where suddenly I’m forced to meet some silly girl her hand struck out, who tries too hard for friends no doubt! Trying hard to make me greet her, getting closer and ever sweeter, I focused on my play with rock and finally she just gave up.

  New town, new street, new school, new house and now I’d have to run about, to find a whole new group of friends all while still miss my old friends and this silly girl with her shenanigans.  She is pretty, her dress is nice, I like her shoes too but I must ignore her to get new friends or I’ll never pal around with other boys again. That’s what girls do. Make you silly to the other boys who say you’re frilly with dolls for toys, dainty acting like a girl and called a bunch of funny names and never picked at wall-ball games.  Not me, no Sir, I’ve moved before, made mistakes by being friends with girls, sad enough I need no more being friends with her would be a chore.

  What’s wrong with her? It’s been all day and never have I with her played but here she is hours later having at my side whole time just stayed? Now we’re walking home and it’s getting dark; we get to entrance of the park, the woods and shadows make it scary, I look over at her and she’s afraid and suddenly I’m glad she stayed. I slow down so she’s next to me; I press my lips tight and **** it in so she can’t tell that I’m frightened. In my pocket were some rocks to use in case there’s a fight, I puffed my chest to show my might and I held her hand really tight as we walked into the quickening night. I told her not to worry much because I’m good with rocks and fists and such. I walked her all the way to her front door pretending like it was a chore; man-o-man did it take a while but when we got there she sure did smile.

  She kissed me sweetly on the cheek, something that I did not seek but for me, it added to her mystique.  I ran through the neighborhood, my happy world beguiling and when I got home I still was smiling! Door slammed shut, Dad is lazy. Mom is cooking and I smell mash n’ gravy. She asked if I had fun and played, I smiled thinking of the friend I’d made.