Tired 

I try to sleep 

but the teacher keeps talking 

my eyes droop 

and I drift 

for just a second 

there's peace 

For just a second 

Then I'm jarred awake 

 

"Shhhhh" I whisper 

I need quiet 

No, I need to focus 

 

My head is hot 

But my chest is cold 

 

I throw back a shot of espresso 

Like medicine

another chug 

like window cleaner 

I finnish the cup

like cocaine 

 

I grab my pencil 

Then drop it 

Then grab it again 

 

I tap it against my desk 

faster and faster 

tap, tap, tap

tap...

the teacher glares at me 

 

I drop the pencil 

focus.

focus, focus

focus 

 

my heart is beating 

beating 

beating 

too fast 

My face sweats 

and my hands shake 

I need to go 

I need to move 

I need to run

 

Someone laughs

I can't help but think 

that they might be able

to hear me think 

"damn mind readers" I whisper 

 

The teacher raises an eyebrow 

I shrug 

frantically

 

Focus, focus 

focus, focus

focus

 

I jump to my feet 

I need to escape 

 

I sit back down. 

I don't remember 

do I have to ask to go?

do I need a bathroom pass? 

 

I stand up again

Better to ask forgiveness than permission

I make my escape 

quick smooth steps

"act nonchalant" 

 

I reach for the door handle 

freedom at last 

I let out a sigh of victory 

 

and the bell rings