Time

Chinelo Agwuegbo

The alarm bell rings and my fingers reach to silence it–

My eyes scrunch closed and resist the sunlight that beams in through the closed blinds

Just one more minute

The alarm bell rings again and my eyes fly open

What's the time?

What’s the time?

I rush to get an outfit, look cute

Wait, did I do all I was supposed to do?

I rush to brush my teeth, to feel fresh

Oh, I forgot to attend my study sesh!

I run to catch the bus, out of breath

But the door closes before I reach, feels like death

I think I had a midterm this morning, what will I do,

I never even got the chance to review

I forgot to say hi to my friend,

Or call my mom,

Or eat breakfast,

Or sing a song,

I feel helpless and out of sorts

Like I’m not ready

I think I need a minute

To feel a bit more steady