The Wake of Time

This past week there was an important test

Between classes and studying there was no time to rest

More terms to memorize, more notes to review

Wondering if I bit off more than I could chew

Silently I repeatedly declared

After the test I will go out for fresh air

I’ll walk down each street with no goal in mind

No longer the prisoner to my room confined

I’ll window shop to my heart’s desire

Feeling my spirits soar higher and higher

And when I return as a woman freed

I’ll read that book I’ve been wanting to read

And make the dish I’ve been wanting to make

And bake the bread I’ve been wanting to bake

But after the exam foremost in my head

Was not the book, dish or even the bread

But an overwhelming need to sleep

To feel the oblivion dragging me deep

To let go of the weights from that week

And succumb with cool sheets against my cheek

When I awoke the skies were violet hued

The day was gone I glumly conclude

During my slumber I’d been left in Time’s wake

Wondering if I’d made another mistake

Now as I study I’ve come to realize

One can lose much with eyes on the prize

And enjoyment shouldn’t come after the test

To this I can wholeheartedly attest

Even while under the grasps of stress

And the crushing domination of duress

There’s a reason to laugh, a reason to smile

To cherish living all the while

So read your book and eat that cake

Take the dance class you’ve always wanted to take

Sing from your soul until the windows shake

Race with yourself on feet without brakes

And when opportunities come, grab and take

Lest Time leaves you in its wake