There was a small boy, in a little town, Unknown to most people. He was soaring, I remember, As if running through to freedom. He spread his arms between the crowds In his navy blue pants and sweater, His bright white polo And his shiny shoes of patent leather. The school bell rang So he tucked his wings to grab his bag, And he climbed up the steps As fast as a little boy can But the gate had just closed right in front of him. He had his little hands Gripped around the metal of the gate And shook them wanting to get in; He pushed his arm but only got his shoulder though. There was a man With no emotion in his face, Watching him trying to find a way in, But the man didn't move an inch. The boy put his back against the fence And I cried before walking back. Nothing he said would change his mind. That was me then but now I'm the man in the other side, Having forgotten what it was like to spread my wings And want to fly.