Trig Class

Check clock A white light burst expanding across the sheet Blue ruled lines blur to nothing Clear against the paper. I can’t see them, or the graphite symbols But I know they are there. I wrote them Another failed attempt at grasping attention. The professor’s voice cuts through the moment High pitched, harmonious Her accent harmonizing the mathematical enlightenment A series of statements strung together Punctuated by silences An expectation of some sort of outpouring of understanding. After a pause, she resumes Leaving another potential for exposure averted for now. The green marker fades against the white board It is also putting forth a minimal effort. The chapter and section offer a temporal landmark A quantifiable measurement of how far I am behind. Another pause Silence She gazes across the board A battlefield of green example problems and red functions Even she is confused by the carnage. A mathematical expression lays stunned But not dead Suddenly, a light flickers, shining from behind her eyes A moment of triumph. She resumes, renewed While I fade farther into the back Attempting to become one with the off beige wall. My mind is blank, almost clear So much so that I can feel the blood rush through my veins I try to trace a single cell through my body But I realize I don’t remember that much detail on the circulatory system. My adventure aborted, my gaze returns to the clock Check clock I am only interested in a line of pi, 180° As in 6:45pm Time to leave.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Culverhouse Avatar
January 1, 2010 at 3:12 PM
amzing poem, i have been there. Keep sharing with us! Welcome to poetry soup. check out my poems sometimes if you dare. You have talent!
Sheart Avatar
October 6, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Congrats on your amazing poetry making the semi-finals!!! Good Luck. Love Light Truth Patty
 Avatar
September 26, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Another honor for this poem. Congratulations on making it through the first round in the contest. Good luck in the finals! Karen
Brown Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Congratulations on your poem making it through the first round.Wishing you the best in the finals Gayle. Love, Carol
Babcock Avatar
July 11, 2009 at 8:28 AM
Congrats on your featured write. God Bless Phyl
Adeite Avatar
July 11, 2009 at 4:57 AM
Hey, I love your theme, thrust & tone.What a wonderful piece! You are such a great poet. Please keep writing & congratulations on your excellent piece being featured dis week. Great you
Moreno Avatar
July 9, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Gayle, congrats on your feature...Raul
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
July 6, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Congrats Gayle on "Trig Class" being featured. Vince
Christian Avatar
July 6, 2009 at 10:37 AM
congratulations on your featured poem, God bless you from diane
Fraser Avatar
July 6, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Congratulations on your featured poem>>James
 Avatar
July 6, 2009 at 9:09 AM
Just wanted to drop by and add congratulations on having your well-written poem featured this week to my other comment. Keep up the good writing. Wishing you ongoing success. Karen
Brown Avatar
July 6, 2009 at 5:48 AM
Congratulations Gayle on your featured poem this week. Love, Carol
Tugaff Avatar
July 5, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Great piece of art. Congratulations and more power in your poetry writing. Ernilando
Shahwan Avatar
April 24, 2009 at 8:48 AM
Unique.
 Avatar
April 23, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Nice use of imagery to convey your thoughts in a creative way. Like how you ended this poem. Welcome to Poetry Soup! I hope you enjoy your time spent with us. Best wishes with your math and your writing. Karen
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
April 23, 2009 at 9:22 AM
The only thing I loved less than trig was geometry. That was in 1962. Today, proudly I am able to count the scoops in raisin bran. Interesting poem. God Bless. Vince
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