The Schoolgirl

Troubled

By the sudden emptiness of her mind

She bends down to pull on her socks

What was I worrying about?

She asks them

I can't remember

Then looks up

Oh yes! That was it!

She catches the thought with her teeth

Grins proudly for an instant

Then frowns and carries on worrywalking

And spends the rest of the day rope learning

Years later

When she has long outgrown her uniform

She cuts the ropes

Goes to the park to swing on her thoughts

While the parents of patient waiting children

Frown