A personal milestone
of sorts
and a lesson in Time

1972
Mr. Danforth’s Grade 10 English class
at the end of the month
I would turn 15
the day before Halloween

I had asked my parents
for a new wrist watch
and was excited
as the big day approached
then the teacher
announced our latest assignment
Public Speaking

I hated public speaking
sent my ADHD into overdrive
long before ADHD was even a thing
sometimes I could control the beast
when before an audience
while other times
let’s just say
it was not a pretty sight

But this time was different
buoyed at the thought of the new watch
and no way to avoid my fate
I dug into the task at hand
and came up with a speech
on the growing prevalence of hi-rise buildings
in the city
and the recent trend to build up
as well as out
on account of something called a Greenbelt

After an initial nervous start
in front of the class
I soon found my pace
and aced the assignment
Mr. Danforth clearly impressed
at the uniqueness of the topic

It would also be my first lesson
in how Time can a have a
completely different meaning
and impact


© 2025

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10/08/2025

Posted on 10/08/2025
Copyright © 2025 Chris Sorrenti