Mandy

A/N: This isn’t a true story, and it’s not based on anything, but I think it’s plausible. There have been cases of students who, upon reaching their exams, have actually been made physically ill with stress.

I

Mandy was lovely, and Mandy was kind.

Mandy never complained of her maddening mind.

Never caved under pressure, but ever stayed sweet.

Even when bullies chased her down the street.

II

Bright golden hair and a pretty white dress,

Mandy always looked perfect, but her brain was a mess.

Breaking inside, but outwardly fine.

It couldn’t be long before she reached the line.

III

A sweet little girl, who always did best.

Not allowed to relax- her whole life was a test.

But her sanity fading, her mind ready to break-

Oh dear- little Mandy makes a single mistake.

IV

Her parents didn’t love her, wouldn’t care if she broke.

Mandy didn’t dare say that she was ready to choke.

Glassy blue eyes and a maddening smile

But she was screaming inside all of the while.

V

Her father was angry, and her mother ashamed.

She’d failed the tests- it was her that they blamed.

Pressure is deadly, you can’t have a flaw.

Or your parents stare coldly, as they show you the door.

VI

So she lies under the water, refusing to rise.

She lies under the water, and silently cries.

The pressure can break you, but you can’t be lazy.

Even if tension is driving you crazy.

VII

It seemed far too late, but the police pulled her out.

Took her to a safe place that you’ve heard about.

Now she’s never pressured, and everyone’s kind.

To the mad little girl with a broken up mind.

VIII

The parents are dealt with, and soon locked away

They pushed much too far, and for it they’ll pay

The judge, the jury have done their jobs, they’re free to take a bow

But people sigh and shake their heads- too late for Mandy now

VIIII

The asylum staff will all sigh and will stare.

Reach out to Mandy- no one will dare!

Her eyes are glazed over, and her face is just dead.

She sees another world, heaven in her head.

X

And Mandy still giggles, as she stares at the wall.

No one can help her, no one at all.

Her mind stretched too far, for such a young girl.

And no one can fix a mind that’s already u n f u r l e d…

Do you see the lovely green writing below this? It's pretty, isn't it? It's even prettier when you click it. And prettiest of all when you type words and then press the pretty purple button... ahem. (stops being a review whore.) Kay, kay, I'm done. This is one of my older poems but it used to be a favourite amongst myself, my friends, and my readers. And thus, it makes its glorious appearance on the Internet once more...

Or perhaps not so glorious. (kicks at the small virtual webspace she lives in and is horrified when the roof caves in.)

--- Isilthrar