Invict Us

Six more minutes until the bell rings.


“Out of the night that covers me….” Ok, I will memorize this thing tonight. The last half of class was designated as study time to give us a jump on the homework assignment but my concentration was on the clock above the caulk board. Invictus. Sounds a little bit sinister. My favorite lines “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul”, held little support for my more pending anxiety. Four more minutes until the bell rings.

She was late getting to school. She did not ride my bus. Actually we weren’t in the same grade level. Two more minutes. Changing class at the end of a subject period was a major social event. A short event but at times could be very intense due to the brevity. Surly she had made it to school before the first class was over. Today I will speak to her. I am pretty sure she will talk to me. Just last week as we passed in the hall a small smile gave me confidence. I think she was smiling at me. One more minute until the bell rings. We have five minutes between classes. Maybe we can talk about the football game Thursday night. I think there might be a reception after the game. The high school always has one.

The snap of books shutting coincided perfectly with the rolling clang of the class bell. Chairs clanging against desk fortified the signal of the bell. The rush to the halls was in full gait. I only have five minutes. I can’t be late for science again.

“Excuse me. Opps, sorry.”

Pushing and shoving to get to the hall. Finally the room emptied into the hall. Frosted blonde. Ok, nope that’s not her. An instant case of “cotton mouth”, as I recognized the "letter sweater" turning from the midway stairway landing and descend the last half of the staircase at the other end of the building. I would never live it down it I threw up right here in the hall, not even counting the fact no telling who all would be splattered in the ordeal. Ok, now that thought made me feel better. If I take normal strides, we should meet just past the intersection of the other hallway. Oh goodness, six more steps.

“Hi.” The high pitch of my voice shocked me back into reality. Where did that come from?

“Hello.” A brief hesitation and a smile as if she had not finished her sentence.

“Come on, move it!” The crowd following either of us was not interested in our conversation.

Man oh man, if I just had a couple of minutes, I would have had it made. Maybe I didn’t win that battle.


In the fell clutch of circumstance


I have not winced nor cried aloud.


Under the bludgeonings of chance


My head is bloody, but unbowed.
(William Ernest Henley)


That was a smile, wasn’t it? She said hello. YESSSS!

"Ok class, let's get started."

Only Fifty-five more minutes until the bell rings.