I Remember When

I remember when… I tied myself to the chair in first grade. Taking seriously Teacher’s red light - “Young lady, if you don’t stay in your seat…” I took my scarf and bound myself up tight. I remember when… the lunch bell sounded and Missus Storm said, “Quietly, children, line up at the door.” But I couldn’t get my hard knots undone so me and the chair plop-plopped cross the floor. I remember when… I climbed out the school window in third grade. Asleep at my desk, I’d run out of juice then Mz. Willliams took the class to recess I heard the door slam, it wouldn't come loose. I remember when… that schoolroom seemed more like Alcatraz in solitary confinement, I pried one window open. Taking a quick look, I climbed up and out with tomboy-ish stride.