Knock twice, my room is still dark, curtain’s still closed.
an angelic voice wakes me with a yawn; time to wake up.
a flick of the switch, rubbing my eyes and i ask for the time.
up i get, walk to my wardrobe and picking my school uniform.

In realisation of needing to pee, holding my crotch, i run.
knock twice, someone is using the toilet, i wait, bouncing.
crossed legs, i finally get in, flush, get out, i run back.
HANDS! i run back again and wash my hands with lots of extra soap.

I gallop down the stairs steadily, clinging onto the railing.
pace into the kitchen, eyes at bench level looking at lunch.
fingers hanging on the edge, breakfast is ready, jam toast!
a glass of orange juice and a big bowl of cereal to last me.

Getting dressed, holding onto your shoulders, step into my tights.
left leg, now the right one, “arms up!” you pull my dress on, zip.
slip on my shoes and socks, but vice versa and we brush our teeth.
i spit, rinse and grin for you to see, you wipe toothpaste away.

Fix my hair with harsh hastey hands, get the knots out, neat.
lick your finger like you do when flipping a page in your
jane austin novels and remove the jam from my cheek.
grabbing your keys, wallet, phone, sunglasses, you’re ready! 

Last minute..lunch box, check, homework in my bag, check.
school hat, water bottle, sunscreen, check. its all there.
out the door, down the street, we look both ways for cars.
we cross and i catch my hat from nearly flying off and rolling.

At the gates outside the front of school, i see Dean, the bully,
cringe. I see my friend, Sam and give him a wave, the mother’s talk.
Playing with my hair, you kneel down, i have squinty eyes,a scrunched nose.
the sun glaring, you leave me a huge sloppy kiss, bye mummy!

Don’t wanna let go, one more minute, please take me with you.
I look back, you’re making sure i get inside safe, rustling keys.
Off to class with my friend, Sam. another 6 hours without home.
Missing you at lunch, schools out, yay! but tomorrow’ll be the same.