Student Publishing Program ::

Brittney Joyce

Sentinels

I roll out of bed
Sleep still tugging at my eyelids,
Warm sheets begging me to return,
But I resist;
Instead stumbling to the bathroom.

A smile in the mirror
Reveals two rows of white sentinels
Their uniforms pearly, sparkling.
They stand in straight lines:
Shoulder to shoulder.

Oh, the lovely smoothness!
My tongue explores and delights
In these beautiful soldiers.
An apple is no match for them
And caramel quivers in their presence.

BRRRRRRRRING!
A rude awakening
Halts the pleasant wanderings of my subconscious.
My tongue moves experimentally around my mouth
And collides with armored bonds.

The brave sentinels of my dreams
Are no match for orthodontics.
Once again, braces have prevailed.

[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2010 EDITION]