School Pressures

Teachers frantically rush to decorate their walls,
In anticipation of little footsteps coming down the halls.
School is almost back in session,
Signaling the start of parent-teacher phone calls.

Hopefully there's not been much regression,
As kids are encouraged to find an expression,
Of their own ideas and original thoughts.
With grades given at the instructor's discretion.

Soon the students' stomachs will be tied in knots,
And they'll be feeling like they're drawing lots,
For the colleges and jobs they want to attend.
So many applicants, and so few actual spots!

But such is the growing trend,
Of generations that have to contend,
With such a challenging, competitive world.
Will it be worth it, in the end?


------------------------------

(16 lines)

FORM: Four-Quatrain Chain Rhyme (aaba, bbcb, ccdc, dded)

Entry for the "Invalid Item"  (August 2014).