I have a confession. I hate exams. I never feel prepared enough. I shiver. I cry. I am a mess before exams. I remember clearly crying to my grandmother before my Social Studies exam in 10th standard and was totally convinced I would fail. I ended up with the top scoring marks in that paper. I can cite many more incidences like that. Exams are my personal nemesis. I hate them and here is an attempt to re-create my fears through words.

Dreaded days ahead

Time to forget play and sleep

Read, revise, repeat

 

A test of patience

To test knowledge and memory

Testing period

 

The dog is sleeping

Shadows become one with night

Books, eyes keep open

 

Sun begins journey

Pens, erasers, rulers, more

Hasty breakfast to-go

 

Clipboards hall tickets

Gods are summoned, bribed, cajoled

Time to head to school

 

Nervous air crackles

Roll numbers chalked on wooden desks

The bell rings the start

 

Eye lids droop and scream

Dazzled gaze fixed on blurred lines

Can’t wait for the end

 

Scratch scribble moan groan

Uncertainty rears its head

Nibs dance on paper

 

Eyes on ticking watch

Time to handover the sheets

Sigh! Finally done