We always face tests to prove ourselves. But never forget this famous old song... |
Saved by an old song Gods and Angels have been invoked Silent prayers have been uttered Within me, ominous tremblings Tension building up unfettered I lay my weapons before me Tools of plastic, metal and ink The pen's nib gleams expectantly Soon, into paper, it will sink I finger my ruler's long blade, In hope that my thoughts stay as straight. I need complete focus today Or sad indeed, will be my fate I lift my head and look around There are many more like me here I feel a war raging about A struggle between hope and fear Grim people walk amongst our desks Distributing slim little books "DO NOT OPEN TILL INSTRUCTED" At watches, we throw furtive looks A sudden intrusion of doubt... Have I learnt all that is needed? I ought to have done a lot more! Storm clouds gather over my head "BEGIN!" A voice booms in command. Will hardens, to let mind sharpen I reach out to face the great test, My hands reach for paper and pen. Eyes scan questions, memory churns. Some answers rise forth readily While others are more elusive My morale see-saws merrily I shoot a quick glance at my watch My time is drawing to a close! Mind and pulse race at full throttle Is steam coming out of my nose? My hand flies across the paper, But can't quite keep pace with my mind "PENS DOWN!" bellows the voice again It sounds so heartless and unkind I have left so many undone, I might have got many more wrong, I will fare poorly, I know it! But then comes to mind, an old song "Que sera sera," I whistled. "For whatever will be will be." I shrug off the weight and tension, Feeling no more like a zombie The furrows vanish from my brow A smug smile breaks out on my face The storms of doom are blown away Bright serenity, in their place I pack up my stationery They've done their part, as I have mine, Anyway, I've done pretty well With some luck, my grades will be fine To the exit, I make my way And laugh, for it's a sunny day Written for "POETRY IN RHYME - RHYTHM CONTEST-winner" by Dr M C Gupta using the prompts: "What will be will be"; "Que sera sera". Have not used an accentual meter. Poem written with abcb rhyme scheme (except the ending couplet, obviously), 8 syllables per line throughout. |