Once Upon A Novice

The stories we were told as kids
Either helped us or killed us in one way
Love is a sacred feeling, I was fed as a baby
It is only made for the brave at heart,
Grown ups who can control themselves
For love can unlock the clouds for rain,
Make a Man too sick to think
Make the heart beat like an amateur drummer.

I would fight, and bully all the boys around
I would curse, and cause problems for teachers
I would stare, and swear at every girl
I was a villain, a hero among my peers

It took a thousand seconds,
A million more words crafted on paper,
A half-heart smile, and
Cold running through my spine
To lift my head and look her in the eyes.

She was everything I read about mermaids
My heart failed, my courage flew and
It took another human to help articulate my words

Victor Oyedele