The class period before lunch and recess

Loud and noisy

the 8th grade jury had taken over the partially empty classroom

with nothing to do

no work

(it was the second day after Thanksgiving break)

playing cards dancing through the air

falling onto the floor

gymnastics moves being executed dramatically

sing-alongs with Wicked songs

it was chaos

the sing-along had been shut down by the teacher

cards were being thrown in closer range

gymnastics had turned to Uno

or Go Fish

or some other card game

this stage of evolution is the most dangerous

the time where you are most likely to die of a paper cut from an Uno card

most likely to be crushed by a possessed gymnastics player

most likely not going to make it out of the classroom

make it to recess

because it is widely known

that one of the most dangerous class periods in middle school is the one right before recess and lunch

everyone is antsy to leave

to go outside and hang out with their friends

get their energy out playing in the football fields

but they have to make it out of the classroom before that occurs

though

will they make it out?

Past the knife-sharp playing cards

past the gymnasts

past the kid in the corner on Young Writers Project

will you make it out?