lockers slam like thunder in the air
a sea of bodies moving without rhythm
faint cologne and pencil shavings mingle thick
the bell yells louder than anyone’s stories
whispers crawl through the cracks of the walls
worn sneakers squeak against scuffed tile floors
hands clutch bags like shields on tiny battlefields
the smell of cafeteria pizza haunts every corner
eyes dart like dragonflies between the crowds
some search for friends, some dodge the gazes
the fluorescent lights buzz like restless thoughts
dreams and fears scribbled in notepads stay hidden
the hallway stretches longer than any math class
laughter crashes like rivers against locker doors
each step, an echo of both freedom and dread
the hum of voices ends, till it begins again