This was it.
I had reached the pinnacle of secondary school.
The end.
Walking through the gates in the early hours of dawn,
I looked happy, but my heart was kind of torn.
I was aware that this was the end.
But it didn't faze, nor did it move me.
The stunner struck me like a bolt of lightning,
When we were signing shirts.
My world was rocked by the shock of realising this was the end.
No more dashing through the school gate,
After arriving 10 minutes late.
No more detention.
No more suspension.
No more popularity.
No more best boy or girl.
No more desperation for attention.
No more unnecessary tension.
As we signed the white shirts I had become so familiar with,
Silent invisible tears trickled down my face.
Tears of joy and sadness,
Relief and gladness.
Putting on the stained shirt,
The tight trousers,
And black blazer became an impulse.
This was what I did, what I do.
I guess it's time for something new.
I sadly stared at faces I would never see again.
I guess it's time to meet fresh faces,
And tackle new cases.
I emotionally embraced my friends and teachers.
The things I despised about them,
Became their best feature.
Appreciation and admiration covered me like a fine garment.
I thanked God for allowing me to reach this milestone.
Then I checked my phone.
It was time to go.
As I was leaving,
I gazed at the school that welcomed and invited me in.
Like a good Samaritan.
The school that took me in as a young child.
And let me go as a young adult.
It gazed back at me with a face of sorrow.
A slightly distraught face.
Yet full of happiness.
The last dance, the last ride.
I took a last glance and then I sighed.
I tearfully glared at my old foes.
My next step.
God knows.
