A bell divides the daylight
chalk floats like gentle ash;
a teacher draws the balance
the future learns to flash
Leaves skitter like new questions
the hopscotch waits its rules;
we swap our summer kingdoms
for sharpened shining tools
A quiet kid finds courage
to raise a careful hand;
the class inhales the moment
and understands the land
The playground keeps its promise
to teach the art of play—
how justice starts with listening
and grows by what we say