Examination Poem by Gita Ashok

This poem reflects the sentiments of a typical student in high school struggling while preparing for his final examination.

When it's time for examination,
my mind is filled with apprehension
regarding problems on integration
and the theory of approximation.

When I'm studying reflection and refraction,
outside on the street, there's a lot of commotion:
with people gathered for a politician's oration
to woo them for the impending election.

As I try to understand the topic on respiration
I feel it may lead to suffocation
So I meditate for relaxation
and begin the countdown for my vacation.

Why can't there be chemistry without calculation
or biology without heredity and variation?
Why do I need to learn about the Indus valley civilization
or cram all the articles of the Constitution?

How am I to remember the climate, soil and vegetation?
How will learning Environmental Education lead me to salvation?
How will reading Shakespeare improve my communication?
And why are my Hindi lessons so filled with dramatization?

Why do I have to sacrifice Physical Education
for the sake of curriculum completion?
Why can't I have unlimited hours of Computer Application
Without having to fear about examination?

I'm sure you'll agree that examination
only kills my creativity and imagination.
Can someone please work towards its abolition
so that my life becomes one grand celebration?

Geeta Ashok