Sanctuary of nothing

In the days before
Open schedules and buildings
It was like stepping into
A sanctuary of nothing
Silence that echoed
If you were still and listened hard

Straight lines of symmetry
So long that you might not
See end to end
Never enough light anyway
Lockers like soldiers at strict attention
Shoulder to shoulder
Daring anyone to try
And advance through ranks
Their formation occasionally interrupted
By a door flung wide

If you were careful,
A significant challenge for a teenage boy,
You could run or wander casually,
Until an adult
Would round the corner
Or open a door
Ask to see your pass and
Send you off
Reminding you of
Your mission and destination
Yet, soon as they were gone
You’d breath deep
And move again at your pace
Freedom resumed