So Hard

I was led into the room without introductions. With only twelve in my year at primary school, everyone knew everyone. But I didn’t know myself. I thought I was an astronaut.

Seeing the other two in my remedial class, I thought, Am I one of these?

They were Sharon Specs and Simple Simon. So hard accepting that I belonged in a group I’d ridiculed. Embarrassing being near them.

Months later, I was the only one needing extra classes. Then I’d discover I wasn’t really like Sharon and Simon. They were smarter.

I had to orbit Earth alone in my daydreams.

From Guest Contributor Duncan Bourne