Student Publishing Program ::

Eli Mattingly

My Young Lies

I didn’t mean it.

The only reason I uttered those insincere words was that stern adult hovering.
Those wooden building blocks were mine.
The palace I was building would contest even the Taj Mahal.
The blocks were methodically and purposefully placed
As if there was not one block out of its innate location.
With intent to avenge my proud palace,
I threw that last brick between your eyes with the fury of a soldier in war.

You’re lucky that the teacher caught me and made me apologize.
Her glaring eyes,
Her stature tall,
And her voice potent.

She made me say it.
I didn’t mean it.

[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2013 EDITION]