I drive slowly, carefully

through a school zone

It’s three pm

and school’s out

Little ones everywhere

Heading home

That’s when I spot you

You are not one of them

You carry your books

close to your chest

Your coat just above

the hem of your

checkered skirt

hiked up far above

school regulations

Exposing your bare legs

Pink from the freezing cold

Your quick pace

belies your nonchalance

The price you pay willingly

To be one of the cool girls