Counting down

by Nadine Cranenburgh

Five minutes left –

not much longer to wait

When the bell goes

I’ll zoom right through the gate

Left at the rose bush,

scream down Breakneck Hill,

bump through the creek bed

right up to Pa’s mill

Spokes spitting gravel

I’ll skid to a halt

my bike left to rest

like a sweat-lathered colt

Scrubbed up and changed

then I’m right for a snack –

left-over shepherd’s pie,

sigh and lean back

“Wake up right now!”

teacher’s voice breaks my spell.

Four minutes left…

I can’t wait for the bell