chronically overworked

a praised child was never tired by responsibility 

or beaten by success.

she reads ahead the class

talks over the mumbled half answers

and raises her voice before her hand

punished for her confidence

betrayed by her excitement of the question

and the consequential answer. 

she'll pass her classes

achieved with honors and a smile.

in the back f her mind sits a little girl

continually told she can no longer be a child.