i was told not to dawdle
as a school kid
when i was waiting
for a dragon
to rescue or kidnap me
or wondering
where the outlaws
were hiding

slow footed
because i wanted
to feel the sky
when not battered
by our noise
or hopeful
of a robin
a robot
a fox
a phantom
angel demon
smoke cloud elf ship

or a moment
i could be mine
for a change
mine alone
unowned
by school
parent
or friends

though perhaps
i just never
wanted to go back
into that place

#Poetry #Writing #MastoPrompt 3rd Jan 2024 - dawdle.