This article by Cecilly Stokeson was originally published on Sunday, August 30, 2020 on Bainbridge Island Review
As part of Bainbridge Youth Services’ This I Know writing project, Cecilly Stokes wrote this ballad during sixth grade at Hyla Middle School. She originally intended it to be sung to Mazurka in A minor by Chopin.
The Ballad of the In-Between
I’m off to middle school without the safety of the 5th grade hall … Slamming locker
Where is drama? He’s on’ da table ‘citin’ Hamlet Oh, huzzah!
So many … Kids obsessed with vict’ry dances Now, they’re dabbing!
What’s the deal with Fortnite? Catching my breath Looking around feels like “Lost in Space”!
Trip’d into teasing tyrants’ tasteless taunts slipping notes in hairADVERTISEMENTVolume 0%
Gossip girls and Boist’rous boys turn their backs, then murmurs in the classroom.
Pencil snatching Shoves and pushes Why can’t we just get along?
It gets worse!!! Creepy chanting Being ship’d off When will this all end?
Keep my mouth shut Look away and pull my hood up Drowning in my dark thoughts
Find a corner Take a deep breath Let my mind op’n up Then found a … Ping Pong table
Gagaball pit Then I made friends felt the same way Snow ball fights and playing sardines
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