Summit High Fingers Crossed

Yesterday I drove out to Summit High.   It's an alternative high school.  The last stop for kids who have been kicked out of every other school, either by the admin. or on their own 'merit.'  I was kicked out too.  Junior year.  16 years old.  I waited til I got home to cry.  I wouldn't let the principal see me.  They told me if I skipped one more class, that was it.  I didn't think they meant it.
My dad came and picked me up.  He was a drop-out too.  He didn't yell at me.  He said, "It's OK Sarah, you can still go to college."  At home I listened to Beethoven, loud, and let out the tears from the principal's office. On the first day, I want to tell them this story.
I've gotta be able to hope.  Look up to something, even if it is unrealistic.  Hope to have an impact that will linger and help them when they are lost.  Like Mrs. Bean did for me.  She taught me to keep writing, no matter what.  Write the date on the top of the page, so I can remember, and write the truth.  I still do that. 17 years later.  She gave me a compass, and I surely needed one.  My path has been dark, and gnarled.

Here I go, fingers crossed.