The Bell's Long Shadow

Saw kids today, shoving.

It pulled me back right then.

The hallway, packed too tight,

again and yet again.

Floor wax and cheap deodorant,

a smell that sticks like glue.

Lockers like metal teeth,

all painted navy blue.

The noise, a solid thing,

a pressure on the chest.

Waiting for the bell to ring,

putting us to test.