Thunderclouds

• Hayley Luxton, Grade 9
• Poetry
• 2019

I trudge into school that stormy day, anxious eyes peeled to the charcoal floor.
Shoulders slumped, hands gripping elbows, not wanting to be me anymore.
As bruise coloured thunderclouds throb above me, my heart pounds too, fearing rejection.
Shakily, I imagine the disapproving stares that people are hurling in my direction.

When I spot my friends laughing carelessly, I can’t seem to see myself joining in.
So I hastily dart into the empty library, and the goose bumps leave my skin.
My time of peace seems to pass in a flash, like the jagged lightening outside.
The school bell warns that I must venture from my haven, to where it’s impossible to hide.

After a deep breath I force myself out and begin to amble towards class.
I can do this, there is nothing to be afraid of, I tell myself as figures pass.
I raise my head courageously and notice clumps of electric blue sky.
They devour the seemingly ominous clouds, cheerfully bidding the darkness goodbye.

Suddenly, the passing figures become familiar, some even greet me with a smile.
I now realise- it’s not that bad, no one has been hostile.
What deceiving things my thoughts tell me, that I am gullible enough to believe.
They will certainly strike again soon, but these thunderclouds will one day leave.