What happens to…

the ‘rear’ kids?

the ones with the silent voices

(that) go unheard.

Their sound not travelling

from the back

of the class.

Who listens out for them?

Are we so deaf now?

So immune?

Or the ‘fear’ kids?

the ones with the hidden bruises

(that) go unseen.

Their marks not travelling

from beneath

their low sleeves.

Who watches out for them?

Are we so blind now?

So immune?

Or the ‘beer’ kids

the ones with the slurry excuses

(that) go unbound.

Their gaze not travelling

from the front

of their face.

Who dares ask much of them?

Are we so scared now?

So immune?

Or the ‘tear’ kids?

the ones with the cover stories

(that) go untold.

Their chairs not travelling

from the door

of the room.

Who sits and talks with them?

Are we so numb now?

So immune?

Or the ‘peer’ kids?

the ones with the fewer friends

(that) go alone.

Their appeal not travelling

from the screens

of their phones.

Who inspires heart in them?

Are we so cold now?

So immune?

What happens now?

now that they’ve missed

so much.

Who will pick up the pieces?

Will you?

Will I?