Student Publishing Program ::

Nick Ettlinger

Untimely

It's 11:57
You’ve just finished that
Math Problem set
Done all twenty-three proofs
You’re packing up the papers
Relief flooding through you
Like a summer sun shower
On the way to bed
When you see the
Forlorn and forgotten
Packet of papers
And it hits you
Like a piano from a
Twelfth story window
The English essay
Its due

You glance at the clock
And see those lifeless
Unconcerned digits
Methodically
Counting
Down
The clock strikes Twelve

Today
A few hours from
Now

A cataclysm
Of emotions
Surges through you
Fear
Panic
Dread
Hopelessness
You are
Overwhelmed…

And suddenly
You see yourself
Facing the teacher
Pleading
Begging
Praying
Please teacher
Please
I’m so sorry
But really
I am

The teacher frowns
And shakes his head
His expression
A stolid gravestone
“Tough”

[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2012 EDITION]