a school gymnasium

I am stuck in a school gymnasium. Between Halloween dances and award ceremonies. Between art showcases and poetry readings. I am the boy giving the girl a plastic rose on Valentine’s Day and the one sitting sullenly for not having done so earlier. I am the science fair exhibition where my peers brag about their brightly colored ribbons. I am the girls gossiping and also the ones eavesdropping. I wake up in my childhood bed but my feet touch the end. I keep trying to fall back asleep; I’m tired, I’m so, so tired. But the sun is a painfully punctual alarm clock and my curtains aren’t that good at their job.