A prison
I watched the rain drops race off the bus window.
Which would get to the bottom first?
I wished they'd slow down, to give me more time but,
The fastest always won.
The bus clenches to a stop and my game is over.
The large, rugged, grey building awaits me.
I walk fast, avoiding its glance.
I find a seat, at the back where no one can see me.
I try to listen, but all I can do is glance, glance, glance at the clock, waiting for it to be over. To go home.
"If you look at that clock one more time!" Mrs Mc Lucas screams.
I jump, caught, unaware in invisible trance.
She knows I don't want to be here.
Why does it concern her I wonder, even then as a child? In the greater scheme of things.
I sit with my head down.
Not daring to look away from the scribbled, wooden, science table.
Though hearing the ticking clock in my mind.
Counting the seconds without looking,
Wondering, Is she still watching me?
Me, who has caused her some unknown offence.
I feel the eyes of my peers, sympathy maybe, confusion certainly. Pity. The worst. They don't get me and I don't get them. How they are happy here in this prison.
I hear the rustle of books being packed and the creeks of wooden stools. I can no longer allow my eyes to see what is happening here, in this prison of six years. I pack my things quietly and do not look at clock. Even that privilege has been taken from me.
I will never look at her again.
