Poem: Feb 2025 Drill by Arika Hendren

Photo Source: Unsplash

Feb 2025 Drill

Another day, same time, same bell rings.

Same faces, fresh ideas, fresh dreams.

But it’s not just about another lesson to deliver.

It’s an exchange of ideas, me as the giver.

Not thirty minutes in, I’ve got their attention,

An announcement chimes, the lesson in suspension.

A panicked voice comes through the intercom.

A sudden urge of qualm.

No time to think, must act fast.

Close the door, secure the latch.

Hover in the corner, barricade the door.

Remain in silence, shocked to the core.

Hold on tight and say your prayers.

Hope they can’t get past the chairs

Stacked in a feeble attempt at protection.

My life before theirs, my conviction.

Seconds last hours, stomachs churning,

For a sound, my ears are burning.

Finally I hear a knock and the voice of a girl,

Telling us it’s just a drill.

Arika Hendren lives in Oregon where she teaches high school French. She has many hobbies and interests, such as languages, travel, crafting, reading, listening and playing music as well as spending time with family and friends. Arika was recently inspired by the poetic songs of Bob Dylan, and composed many poems about what it is like to teach in today's world among other topics.