SCHOOL CUSTARD

The pale steam,
Yellow cream, and semolina -
A brief respite
From maths or names.

All was forgotten:
How quiet is an exam;
How noisy a yard or corridor:-
A fledgling University
Or maybe just a temporary prison
Depending on who you are.
The lunch bell rings
Harsh and urgent.
We return to our lessons,
I to my work.
I wipe the custard from my mouth
As I did when I was a pupil here.
How much has changed?