Missings

I just thought of this so I think I'll give it a shot. I miss my school days. There's something creatively magical about schools. Outside the building is firm but inside it's full of wonder. There's these paper cutouts and pictures hanging on the walls that invite you to look. Young artists post their works next to encouraging messages urging the students to read. On the wall next to the principal's office you'll see a notice board with all the upcoming events listed. There's never a dull week and rarely is there two days that are the same. And as you walk down these halls again and again, you start to feel the familiarity seep into you. The walls become as familiar to you as your own house. In times of boredom, you've ran your fingers on the walls and memorized each bump and curve. You don't know it yet but you understand the building, like it was made for you. There are still secrets to the whole. Rooms that haven't been or will never be explored. You will never know what's inside the boys or girls locker bathrooms unless there is a tornado drill. The familiar sound of the fire alarm will always be a welcome interruption because you have a little less to study. You'll find your favorite spot whether it's on a swing or in a small pasture or maybe it's a room. Maybe the library is where you go to release some stress after working for so long. The school is a sanctuary where every day brings new knowledge, more than your tiny mind can handle. Each year you'll think, "I'm smarter than I was last year. I was an idiot back then." And the comings and goings of the teachers and the staff will always be a mystery to you. You don't know what happens when the janitor closes for the night and tries his hardest to clean everything for you the next day. You don't know what the teachers think of as they close for the evening. You only think about what you're going to do when you get home. First, a break, then food, then homework. After that it'll be some TV or gaming for the night before you turn in. It's a magical world that you can only visit for a short time. It has order for you. Your problems can be solved by a referee or teacher, your food needs will be taken care of, and your need for knowledge and fun will be fulfilled. The responsibilities you face aren't about your life or how you'll make it to the next day, just show up and everything will take care of itself. Then one day you wake up and you can't go back to school anymore. There's college and other courses you can take but there's nothing like the balance that school provides you. And in time, you'll forget many of the lessons you learned at school. Math, English, Science, fun topics to learn but not needed in the adult world. Now you have to worry about STDs, drunk drivers, and home invaders. You'll wonder where the protection went and you'll want to go back to a place where you belonged.