I am secluded
by the steps of a brutal mind
Written in black and white
numerals on ***** chalkboards

Was I sleeping passed my childhood lesson?

Please, wake my tired, bloodshot eyes !!
They are weary from
illuminated nightmares
and X rated dreams

The sting of the wooden rule of measure
punished my hands
The welted numbers tattooed
on my swollen palms

Ten Hail Marys are not enough to stop this atrocity

The towering stoic women,
dressed in black habits
I do not dare look away
but I did

Time was broken
when the rulers cracked the desk
Ear deafening sounds
with my frozen tears stuck in pause

I looked up to the heavens
to seek answers from my god
Not one whisper back,
I was screaming vulgarties in silence

Lowering my head to my desk,
I closed my eyes
and counted the numerals
on the ***** chalkboard