The fluffy cubs rushed through the gates,
to tumble like tide-bound turtles
with screams and smiles;
Morning glowing;
Future’s held in sticky paws.

Red-lasered eyes stare robot death!
Then signal bells ring out severe;
A solemn tolling.

A rabble, roused into queues
ordered and tight,
Silent prayers after heartfelt anthems;
A cane to stragglers!

The second toll peals out;
Renewed chaos leans
into the last five minutes of freedom;
A tasty time tinged with torpor (why must it end?).

Now, where the wilds removed, a hush of brain-humming
Why must the learning hurt?

The throb-throb of distant traffic,
of the adults, racing rats.
Empty minds enjoy their days!

Submitted for an AllPoetry assignment on free verse.