Before order I look

Around see people talking and getting napkins,

Swirling sugar deeper into cup’s voice

I think of high school tests and how I’d look

Around before we were told to

Start

Who’s prepared who’s anxious and

Who just doesn’t care

And what is this but me again being tested

With a day

Another pinch and punch of time

Penalty and reward, direct deposit and

Speak, or whisper, doesn’t matter–

Everyone here yells, or speaks

Like they need to be heard

Lecture the test started is mine

Ready yet,

No so more leaning

Against wall trying not to

Look impatient

(3/22/15)