Examinations

Examinations

Everything has been building to this day -

Self-expectations, to cope, weigh heavy,

And as you enter the room

The light stings your bleary eyes,

The smell of cleaning products dominates,

The clock ticks too loudly, 

“You may start now”.

Papers rustle

And pen-lids click and drop like thunder

Onto hard shiny tables

With metal legs that squeak and scrape

Just like the chair legs

As your classmates fidget

Taking your eyes’ and ears’ attention,

You aim to sit still

But feel the tags and seams from your clothes

Sinking into your skin,

The windows cast reflections on every surface

Which make you wonder -

Are the clouds shaped like that because…

That cereal I had is still in my teeth,

I'll just clear that then I'll be settled,

I feel thirsty

But if I drink I'll need the loo

And I can't be going now, or later,

And anyway what if I lose my train of thought? 

I must focus… 

Yes I must focus…

But what if I…

That smell is rank!

Can you stop rustling your papers please?

Stop looking at me!

Frustration rises

And boils inside, steaming,

Screaming…let me out!

Meltdown.

Storm out?

Or lock it in and seem normal?

And then the bullying glances

Fire into my soul like arrows,

There's a target on my back -

“Omg look at her she's lost it!”

“Please put down your pens”.

And still people question -

“Why do YOU need special conditions?”

A Wensley

28.04.2026