Another oppressive morning starts with daily directives:
          “Shoes Off!”
          “Empty Your Pockets!”
          “Raise Your Arms!”  

They shuffle through process lines
like prisoners confined and shackled.  

The high-pitch beep of metal detectors
warns us to check closely.
Latex-gloved hands frisk, 
pat down bodies in search of contraband
while armed officers stand ready.

It’s probably a smuggled vape or lighter.
But we’re not worried if they want to kill themselves —
just each other.  

Another oppressive morning in an American school.