My daughter forgot her flute
I have to take it to school
Must have for her class to toot
Unseen by me, I’m not cool.
Parking spot
Armed seraphim overwatch
Disembodied intercom squawks,
Innocence to protect his lot
Steel door, suspicion
Gorgon gatekeeper,
Guardian of rules and tradition
To elementary days I’m renditioned.
The lock open clicks
Into a metal box I go
Boxing me in lest evil low
Reveal Satanic tricks.
Fire drills, excuse to bound outside
For freedom’s momentary taste
Now exhortations to run and hide
Or shelter in place.
Outside, adults’ hard threat
Inside, softness, friendships hale
While unseen futures parents’ fret
Over lives unfurling sail.
Woodwind left for music to make
Doors open, I’m set free
Dismissed, my escape I take
My child I did not see.
Fortress Scriptorium
Left in my wake
I motor in the adult imperium
But unease I must shake.
Concrete curriculum shelled
Pressured by educator pride
Waiting for the bell,
My pearl lacquers apart inside.
