a memory breaks through
to the realm
of the
| n o w |
ripping a connection
through space time
to present
a rather rude
parallel:

as a child
standing in the
smelly
echo ridden
gym
under lights with
a yellow cast.

i am in a line.
about to be chosen,
or more accurately,
not chosen
for the team.

and i realize
that my brain
has chosen this thought,
now,
of all possible thoughts,
as a cruel reminder
that i have felt
this pain before.
for my entire life.