Ode to a Midterm Exam
John Scudero

No matter how we may prevent our fear, 

With days, or weeks, spent tearing through our notes, 

The hellish trial, as it stalks ever near, 

Ne’er fails to push our hearts into our throats. 

Oh wicked day! You draw here far too soon! 

And all the days still pass as slow as pitch, 

But when they pass, no student is immune 

To panic’d dread, and thus you do ‘enrich’ 

Our minds, with angst and lack of clarity 

Abound, no logic to exist within 

Our heads, replacéd with disparity! 

And all the while our patience wearing thin. 

Although, I must admit, between us two, 

I haven’t really studied yet. Have you?