Hard Timer

by Michael Howard

I'm watching people take what we call the grey mile. People walking in circles in this grey lighted block. Some have their heads up, trying to stay positive in the face of disaster. Although not speaking much, their demeanor says it all.

Some have their heads down, hands behind their back with a very disgusted look on their face. A look of disdain and obvious resentment. They are what we call hard timers. They are letting themselves be beaten by their charges. Something I will never let myself be, a hard timer.