Ode to Grading

Ode to Grading

Nikki Smith

There you are

constantly taunting

my every thought

weighing down

my every hope

I want to read that new book

I want to capture moments of my heart

I want to dine with my favorite

But you haunt me

waiting for my undivided attention

I will pour hours into you

They will just glance at the number

Dismissing my stress and time

Ignoring the anxiety they caused

in asking, demanding your urgent return

I know you are always there

I know you are important

I know you inescapable  

You are my constant.