Rearranging the Desks

and other unexpected changes that can happen in life

Photo: Kohji Asakawa; Illustration: Paul Kulpinski

When you go to school today you’ll find that your classroom is different. You won’t like it at first. The change, thrust upon you, will fill you with unease. Just one more thing out of your control. As you shuffle into your classroom, you’ll first notice the slightly flustered tone in the voices of some of your classmates. Then you’ll hear Mrs. Fitzpatrick, your third grade teacher, announce that she’s taken the opportunity to rearrange the desks. You’ll quickly see she’s right when you glance to the place in the second row at the right side of the room where your desk was yesterday. There you’ll find Lisa Sheffler sitting at her desk in the spot where your desk once stood. You’ll ask yourself “why did she do this, without telling us yesterday?” You’ll remember the one time when, at the end of a school day, Mrs. Fitzpatrick had you and your classmates move your desks yourselves to the place you wanted. You’ll recall how, at that time, you looked forward to coming to school that next day, excited for the opportunities that awaited from your new desk location in the second row at the right side of the room. Today, the change will make you feel anxious as you look for your new place. Then, your attention will be drawn to Cindy Goodwell, modestly waving her hand at you while pointing to an empty desk next to her. That’s where your desk will be, dislocated to the far left side of the room, by the windows, and in front of Scott Shepherd who will be sitting in the last row. You’ll take your new seat at your old desk, where you’ll find all your supplies safe in the cubby underneath, and your name tag still securely taped to the top of your desk. Seeing your name there will comfort you. You’ll smile at Cindy and thank her. Then you’ll look out the window and notice how different the view of the playground is from here. From here you’ll see the half-buried, giant, farm tractor tires that you love to play around at recess. You’ll see how different the room looks from this spot. Soon you’ll grow to like it here, too, until you realize that you’re having difficulty reading Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s handwriting on the chalkboard. Then, your mother will make an appointment for you at the eye doctor who will tell you that you need eyeglasses.

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