Passing Period
Location
Walking through the halls I watch
The faces of peers passing by
Their faces showing disdain or boredom
Or joy at the prospect of passing period.
I walk quickly and dodge them
With both hands in my pockets but not
For reasons commonly believed:
Hands in pockets convey lack of confidence.
Confidence shines bright in halls, yes
But no, it was like Alexie said: we walk
With hands in our pockets because
We have something to lose.
In the halls I walk and watch the faces
Of students who’ve lost, found or are searching
For something to put in their pockets
For something to try not to lose.