76. Poetry with Mr Carozzi

I remember smiling happily in Crèche
I remember the ease of friendships in kindergarten
I remember the joy of seeing my nana every Sunday
I remember the pain of my best friend leaving me
I remember the fear that filled me up whenever I saw a dog, great or small, it didn’t matter
I remember none of the teachers believing me whenever I told them I was being bullied
I remember sitting alone every lunch time during primary school
I remember being beaten in the bathroom of the cabin during grade 5 camp
I remember being relieved when I finally graduated from primary school, my chance to escape
I remember the pain all too well
By Alana Storey