Driving to school

Another long day beings with that click. Unlocked.

Heavy, heated, and still air greets me as I sit down inside.

A hurried twist of the key,

a clattering engine later,

A blast of cool air;

Relief from the sweltering heat.

Bumper to bumper we crawl along,

The high noon sun beats through the windows,

Rose tined sunglasses don’t hide the mundanity of the drive.

Anxiety rises, as the the gas needle dips lower

Zero miles to empty.

Not knowing when the reserve will run out

Playing that game of chance;

I pull up to the gas pump.

Fill up! Refuel!

The clock ticks on and on

Minutes lost, as I try to make it to class.

As I enter the parking lot,

I am not alone.

Cars upon cars, weaving in and out of the rows

All in the same situation.

Searching, seeking simultaneously

For just one elusive spot.

As close to the building as possible.

Will I make it on time?

Desperation rises, bordering on hopelessness.

Turn into a lone spot, shift into park

Bag in hand, door slams shut.

Button pressed, as I turn my back

Sprinting off to class as the car lights flash.

Locked.