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I still remember the combo
(and I'm not good with numbers)
the back and forth swivel
to align the arrow
the way I'd pretend it didn't work
just to watch you walk past
holding my breath, heart beating fast,
wobbly knees (a real thing)...
Quickly align dashes and numbers,
locker door slammed -
mad dash to religion class.
My desk facing the crucifix
and ten commandments,
imagine number six
a neon blinking chastisement.
by Margaret Bednar, October 3, 2018
This is in participation with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Camera/Flash 55" I tried to shorten it to a 55 but it didn't work.
The original image that inspired this poem is a collection of locks by Pierre Dubreuil "Lines Meeting" (1932).
13 comments:
And so is teenage passion continually curbed by 'Thou shalt not...'
Great poem, and it reminds me of junior high (in a good way).
I can just imagine how that hormonal passion felt in a religious school... it was bad enough for me with the ten commandment to worry about.
Good to see you are back from your journeying. This reminds me of junior high school and my undying passion for a certain band member
Not back yet. Just checking in on my phone now and again.
I remember those breathless moments at the lockers, a thousand years ago!
We didn't have lockers in the schools I went o but they had them in the schools where I taught, where I learned about their significance. I love the way you've conveyed this through retrospective teenage eyes, Margaret: the fact that you remember the combo; the feel of the 'back and forth swivel / to align the arrow'; the 'wobbly knees (a real thing)...'; and the wonderful lines:
'imagine number six
a neon blinking chastisement'.
Ah, the passion and desire being restricted because of the outdated morality always makes me feel the anguish. Having grown up in a small city with an orthodox society, I could relate with everything being hidden and chastened in case it comes to foray.
I love the voice you undertake and how you visit the scenario through the innocence of the time.
-HA
Oh this is wonderfully evocative. Reminds me of my high school days.. could never remember the combination 😅💜
Nice poem, Margaret. Guess I was a nerd in high school. That or I missed the hints. There were a few girls waiting for me at the bottom of the hill. We were on horseback. One girl rode her bike. No other boys, just me and the girls. No lockers either but we did have a barn for our horses.
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We were out of town this weekend to. Mostly I used my smart phone except the laptop to put the picture on. Mrs. Jim's family reunion in Hineston, La.
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This is wonderful! It really brought back the memories of middle school trying to get from class to class, and one slight slip on that padlock would make you late! I think I could even still remember the combination now.
Teresa from Razzamadazzle
Love this, Margaret! I haven't thought about school lockers in years.
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