Just a Bump

By Niki Lazaro

Just a Bump

By fourth year Kaitlyn Talsky

I see red as I glance in the mirror.

There it is, clear as day.

The worst possible thing that could have appeared,

a cherry planted on my face.

It has to be an omen, I think,

a red alarm for what’s to come!

But I step outside, and close my eyes,

my heartbeat like an unsteady drum. 

When my vision clears, and I look ahead,

I noticed first the trees.

Gently whirling in the cool breeze,

brilliantly and brightly green.

Then, of course, there’s the sun

warming the dandelions below.

I pick up a stem, hesitating to think

of my wish before I blow.

What do I want? I think,

Maybe for this blemish to go away.

But then again, with a world so beautiful,

could it begin to ruin today?

Despite my intruding thoughts,

one leaves the rest stumped:

Maybe it’s not the end of the road.

Maybe it’s just a bump.

Maybe I don’t need a wish,

or a miracle,

or for this pest to disappear.

I exhale, wishing to remember

that I’m content to even be here.