There is no fate this grueling that I know.
Behind my hair, my eyes are foggy glass.
Flourescent lights too bright, my mind too slow,
Thus do I bear my curse in science class.

My teacher’s accent wafts across the room,
Its soporific cadence low and deep.
Behind my lids, tonight’s assignments loom,
So many notes to take before I sleep.

Oh deities and angels, listen well!
You patron gods of academic strife,
Don’t leave my pleas unanswered; hear my yell!
And I will tell you what I want from life:

To live as free as dancing winds of June,
And each and every day to sleep ‘till noon.

Anna Blech, Age 16, Grade 11, Hunter College High School, Gold Key