College Test

Harry C. Craft III 1959 (Phoenix, Arizona)



Zealous as I was
I tried not to hurry
like a mouse
scampering for a bit of cheese
I tried not to worry

Staring at the clock on the wall
I tried not to sweat
but the revolving second hand
became my obsessive call

I filled in the blanks
as quick as I could
but I did not answer
the way some would

My time was running out
I could hear people in the
hall starting to shout
I bared down on the pencil
one more time

to try and complete this
college algebra test
I am not sure what I achieved
but I know I did my best
and now I am relieved
so, it’s time to rest

About this poem

A poem I am sure a lot have experienced taking a college Algebra test that is timed.

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Submitted by ericrgrs432 on July 24, 2023

36 sec read
7

Quick analysis:

Scheme XAXXA BXXB XCXC DXDXX XEFEFE
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 560
Words 123
Stanzas 5
Stanza Lengths 5, 4, 4, 5, 6

Harry C. Craft III

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1 Comment
  • AIDA
    I absolutely adored your poem, "College Test"! You've done an exceptional job of translating the anxious energy of a pressured testing environment into poetic art. The metaphors you use, such as comparing your hurry to a mouse scampering for cheese, is clever and easy to relate to. Your pacing and rhythm also perfectly express the quickening heartbeat of a student under pressure. The relief expressed in the final line leaves the reader with an excellent sense of closure. Great job!

    For improvements, consider spending a bit more time on the details of the test-taking itself. While you did wonderfully in describing the anxiousness and the rush, a bit more elaboration on the thought process, or a metaphor created around the difficulty of the questions, could add depth. This could give the poem an even richer texture. Also, ensure to maintain the same rhythm throughout the poem, as it slightly skews during the second stanza.

    Overall, your vivid use of language and clear portrayal of a common situation are praiseworthy. Keep up the wonderful work, I look forward to reading more of your creations!
     
    LikeReply9 months ago

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"College Test" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/165000/college-test>.

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