Good Student

Gold stars on the fridge door

Straight A's bought me peace

Every"B+" was a battle

Every tear pressed between sheets

Learned to fold my anger

Into perfect origami cranes

Stacked them in the closet

Where my childhood still remains

Teacher's pet with no teacher

Just the ghost of"next time, do more"

Trophy case full of"almosts"

And a heart too tired to score

I don't know who I am

When no one's grading me

The rubrics all changed

But I'm still taking the test

Every kiss, every job

Every breath is assessed

I was bred for the honor roll

Now I'm lost in the rest

Found my old report cards

In my mother's cedar chest

"Works well with others"

Translation:"Buries her stress"

What's my GPA in love?

My attendance in joy?

All my extra credit

Never filled the void

I don't know who I am

When no one's keeping score

The bell rang years ago

But I can't leave the door

Maybe failure's the lesson

I was meant to explore

"Good student

Needs to try harder"