Here are the concerned eyes,

The probing look.

Me frozen by the desk.

Am I okay?

-

What, me?

-

I’m fine, good, average.

I’m middle of the line,

I’m average Joe,

I’m Jane Doe.

-

I’m greyscale,

I’m pH 7,

I’m vanilla ice cream,

I’m the reserve team.

-

My essay- it’s B slash C

-

My essay

That I slaved over,

Poured my heart into,

Was delighted with,

Was my secret longing hopeful wish for an impossible A.

-

Has been scribbled on

With stabs in the back.

Encouraging

Effective

-

And in the corner

A final insulting afterthought

B slash C.

-

You look at me and say,

Are you okay?

Oh, I’m fine, me,

I’m B slash C.