Always made all A's 'till middle school.
Be the model student, follow every rule.
Can't blame myself; these standards couldn't last.
Don't maim yourself, sad student of the past.
Escape came through the arts for just a bit.
(From then to now, so glad I never quit.)
Got quite a scare when we moved and my mind got worse.
Happened so fast! No, this sick was a lingering curse.
I'd tried for so long to fit into the box that I saw.
Jaw clenched, I would scream in my mind 'till my own throat was raw.
Kind words from my parents allowed me to edit "perfection."
Letting me slow down, and rest away the dangerous infection.
Mom and Dad, I promise that I'll make you beam with pride,
Now I just have to get to the point where with confident stride,
Our family and friends will watch me; I'll walk to a table or maybe to a stage,
Presented with a diploma that I've earned. Now free of sadness, regret, or rage,
Quiet joy will fill the minds of many whom I've known.
Rest assured I will earn it, and the progress will have grown.
Standing donning cap and gown is only part of the goal.
Tomorrow and the weeks to come, will see me becoming whole.
YOU ARE READING
Editing Perfection
PoetryMy original poem written in April 2020 for HSLDA's poetry contest. The requirement was each line start with the letter that followed the previous line's first letter. I began with "A" and ended with "T".
