do you remember Popular
the book store that you loved?
the unmistakable red and white
a floor of treasure trove

do you remember the pencil case
with buttons at the front?
that opens hidden compartments
every time you press one

do you remember the rough papers
on which you test-scrawl ink?
an occasional "I love you"
in neon blue and pink

do you remember the simple joy
of owning a mechanical pencil?
with the flimsy rubber at the end
that always disappears

do you remember the teaching aid
built like a computer?
its robotic voice reading out loud:
"A-is-for-apple"

do you remember the filofax
you buy year on year?
filled religiously in January
but empties by April

take a deep breath the next time
you ever enter one.
the fresh pages of assessment books
the familiar scent of my childhood