The struggle

I dreamt a dream of time gone by, when grades were high and cares worth giving. I dreamt no test would make me cry, I dreamt that curves would be forgiving. Then I was young and unprepared, A's were made and used and wasted. There weren't extensions to be begged, no nights unslept, no effort disregarded. But the finals come at last, with their laughter soft as thunder, as they snuff out your grades, and turn your dream into shame.