This was written for a student…

She watched him from a corner of the room —
head down, pen in hand,
eyes trying to remain focused on the
paper in front of him —
struggling —
forever struggling.

At sixteen,
he had seen his share of trouble —
drugs,
family difficulties,
problems with the police…
but from their private conversations,
she understood his rebellious spirit…

he sought permanence —
permanence in a world where
nothing endures except change.

For a brief moment, he looked up
and their eyes met. He gave her that
cocky grin — the one that used to make
her want to smack the hell out of him…
but she smiled in return,
for she was wiser now.

Because when you live in a world
where change has been the only
constant in life,
you more often than not
cling to your armor —

cocky grin no exception.