It was quiet in the classroom. Then came the hum accompanied by the tapping of a pencil. One word slipped out. The second one joined it. I could see the words from different people getting together, gathering power, forming an alliance, almost taking a shape, rising above everyone, and then zooming down, threatening to muffle my thoughts. I knew what it was waiting from me. It wanted my words, hoped for a loud voice, may be even a shout. I am smarter than that. I put my finger on my lips. One kid saw it. Then another, and another, and another. They followed my example, locking their lips, not letting even a "Shhh!" escape. The noise monster became powerless.
I love the personification you use here. Superb. I'm going to share this with some of my teachers. Love the "threatening to muffle my thoughts." Noise does that. Your paragraph is genius. :)MaryHelen
ReplyDeleteWOW! I love your last line.
ReplyDeleteYour title drew me in. Your writing built a sense of tension and speed and then you wrapped it up calmly with your ending line. Very fun to read.
ReplyDeleteTerje,
ReplyDeleteYou've done it again. I agree with MaryHelen about the fantastic word choice. I often wish to react to a noisy classroom with a big, booming voice, but I am constantly reminded of the power of a gesture or silence.
Erin