the complicated, tangled pattern of time

9 PM,

a minty smell wavering over my just-brushed teeth,

fragile bubbles of soap curling on my fingertips and the sink,

10 PM,

curling up on the bed with a worn book,

turning the crisp and crooked pages one by one,

11 PM,

staring at the clouds enveloping the dark blue sky,

and the moon radiantly glowing in the fabric of night…

…7 AM,

stuffing damp pieces of cereal into my mouth,

slipping the faded yellow backpack onto my shoulders,

8 AM,

slamming the slick lockers shut,

tightening the grip of my rusted backpack,

9 AM,

eyes drifting over to the ticking clock,

flipping open Pride and Prejudice…

…3 PM,

the bell jolts me out of my daze,

I slide into the bus’s corner seat and fasten my seatbelt…

…6 PM,

bringing the sauce draped pasta closer to my mouth,

a delicious haven of food awaits me…

…9 PM again,

when did time pass so fast,

yet so slow,

it is impossible to decipher…