Time That Was Stolen by Winnie Benjamin-Hall

In school during fifth period, around 1:45,
my class watched the news and learned we were taking a break from school.
My whole class shouted hurray and cheered; we would have no school.
Little did everyone know it would affect us way beyond what we had anticipated,

It becomes time that was stolen.

In the Cloquet Gymnasium at 5:15 on Thursday night,
it was cold during my sophomore year of high school,
Enjoying softball practice, throwing a softball around with my friends,
later that day we found there would be a pause to our season.
Little did we know it wasn’t a pause.
We did not get the opportunity to play that season.

It becomes time that was stolen.

Normally students get overly thrilled
about picking out a dress that makes them feel stylish,
doing their makeup and hair just right,
for this one high school experience will stick with them for the rest of their lives,
but they weren’t able to have that experience.

It becomes time that was stolen.

Instead of getting up and getting ready to go to school,
we would lay in bed,
staring at a screen,
wishing to see our friends,
expected to learn.

It becomes time that was stolen.

In high school you look forward to
playing sports,
going to prom,
learning in person with your peers.
Due to Covid-19

It becomes time that was stolen.