I look up at the clock in my room

And realize that I am late for work.

It is 3:21 on a Friday afternoon.

I change into my work clothes,

Grab a muffin off of the kitchen counter,

Say goodbye to my dad, and run

Out of the house to the beige Dodge

parked in the driveway.

I start the car and look at the clock.

It is 3:23 on a Friday afternoon.

I put the gear in reverse and pull

Out of the driveway. I fly down the main road

And come to a stop light on red.

As I wait impatiently for it to change to green,

I look at the clock.

It is 3:25 on a Friday afternoon.

I look back at the road as soon as

The light turns green for my lane.

I accelerate. An oncoming truck veers

Into my lane as it goes to make a right turn.

I swerve out of the way on impulse.

Startled but not frozen scared, I continue

Driving and pull into my job's parking lot.

I look at the clock.

It is 3:30 on a Friday afternoon.

I'm safe. I'm alive. And I'm right on time for work.