If i were ten

I would opt to open my mouth
Rather than count my teeth with my tongue
I would share what I feel
Rather than battle with nightmares
I would hold my fist for a fight
Rather than crying and running away
If I were ten,
I would take every class serious
Because lessons like to play catch up
I would teach myself to not eat all of my pocket money
I would say ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’
I would teach myself to love my neighbors
The ones with kids that taught me to hate
Rather than spite them for their children’s act
If I were ten,
I would not choose to grow differently.

Victor Oyedele