I sit at this desk,
taking another test;
I swear we never rest.

A hand raises,
the student interjects, non-circumspect;
“Please, give it up, with all respect.”

And now he’s berated,
he’s told he’ll never make it.
All he says is, “School is overrated.”

His words hit my ears,
they almost bring me to tears;
he knows of my deepest fears.

It doesn’t matter if he’s right.
It only matters if there’s a light
at the end of this tunnel we call a test.

Pass. Fail.
Win. Lose.
Live. Die.

“Do you really think I’m taking this test?”
“I’m not ready, I didn’t study yet.”
Our teacher finds the words, “Sit down. Shut up. Do your best.”