I just wish I could go back to when I was so eager to walk through those doors. They say I can come back, but it’s not the same. Why are you making me move on? I can’t do this. He says but you have no choice. Time stops for no man. Or woman for that matter.
79. I think I’ll take these pebbles home. I think I’ll put them next to the other rock next to that book about Sam and the green eggs and ham. 272. Hey guys let me read you this story! Once upon a time… 642. This means WARRRRR. I might be being overdramatic, but she emptied out the ticket bucket and I wanted to do that. 699. Look! He just hit his head on that pole! Woah that’s a lot of blood. 887. I was just reading! I mean I know you were talking but I can listen and read. This is a pivotal moment in this story!
Stop! Too fast. Too. fast. At least slow down? He says, turning away from me, if I must.
541. I like her. I think she’ll be my best friend. But of course everything is not about lego men. Or cursive. I thought my letters were fine the way they were. But it’s fine. I like them this way too. Do you want to share my food?
Amo, amas, amat…
aboard, about, above, across, after, against, along, among, around, at.
902. I didn’t think that I would like two teachers in one year, it’s very different. But a good different. History. Science. Math. Literature. Bible. Grammar. Triangles. I want to try that! I’ll just stay outside during the break! And I can take my food with me, cook it under a fire.
But it’s too soon. How can I go knowing that there are still things to be learned and people that I can still get to know better. I say. He says in his deep monotone voice this is the way it works. Stop taking it for granted.
1156. Amavi, amavisti, amavit. Wow. These kids are big. They’re so cool. I’ll never be like that. 3:10? Whew. this is rather exhausting am I going to get used to this? I kinda miss recess. COOL!
1882. Don’t you think this is coo–Why do we have to do this! She says. I don’t see the point of this. To be honest, I don’t really either, but I know that this is being put in our brains for a certain reason. This is not how He says to handle it. He’s at least told us twice. If only they truly knew. How can’t they see the beauty in this. Is there anything that could pull them out of their disinterest?
How do I do this? I say turning to him, his eyes peering into the depths of my soul. This isn’t fair! Why don’t you teach people how to finish? You make them start something but never tell them how to finish!
He turns his strong wrinkled body to reveal his long white beard starkly contrasting from his dark wings. The small hourglass in his left hand has almost run out. and the scythe in his right hand seems to be leaning ever so slightly closer to me.
2299. I think I am ready. At least, I kinda want to go. He shows me a picture. I want to be here, but I could get to know them too. Maybe I’m ready.
2326. I walk into 8th period and sit down. Hoc est inquisitio ultima tua scholae superioris. He says.
14. Alright guys! This isn’t going to be hard. Put your name in the upper left hand corner–Yes Jerry, just your first name–and then take your pencil and draw a circle around all of the animals in this picture.
2336. I’m not ready not ready at all.
4. Ready for recess?
How naively did I walk into school that first day. I say. Not taking the time to stop.
Stop! He mechanically turns his head toward the hourglass revealing the last few moments of sand eagerly waiting to run through
Make it stop. Or at least slow down. slow down for just. one. minute.
He doesn’t respond.
One. Begin He says. Wow! I smile. Oh the possibilities as I pick up my bag and walk in. No time to stop and linger as my mother rides off. Walk into the endless roomful of people waiting to be discovered. I haven’t been in many of these before. Hey she has a booger hanging out her nose. I know how to write that down. Yes I know what color that is. but what’s new? what else do you have? I like them. They’ll be my friends.
2338 Three He says
2339 Two He says
2340. One. He says. He stops.
One. He says.
Begin again.