School, like a prison
directing your every move
as if you’ve done wrong.
But really you have done nothing,
and the state has sentenced you to
12 years, trapped.

It’s 6:30am, and the dread settles
down deep in the pit
of your stomach.
The very thought of emerging
from your warm cocoon of blankets
makes you want to release
a blood curdling scream.

The crowded hallways are lined
with cell blocks, and accompanied by
the flashy fluorescent lights just
waiting to give you a
pounding headache.
Other inmates standing absurdly
right in the middle of the hall
waiting for nothing in particular,
except to frustrate you.

The hours pass sickeningly slow
within the cell blocks.
You staring blankly at the wall for
for the rest of eternity.
What you would give to lie your head down.
Just five minutes, you plead.
But the guards, as always
say no.

When you are finally sent free,
you’re bombarded with more agonizing
work, as if the 8 hours you
spent were never enough.

School, like a prison
locking you forever within its confines,
because you are serving a 12 year sentence.