The Doubt On My Shoulder

Fear eats at my certainty,
Tightening stomach and clenching hands
Fight or flight, I just want to freeze,
These test papers in front of me
Could elevate or snatch away my future
In printed ink, my thoughts spin,
Pessimism sitting on my shoulder
Am I smart enough to do well?
Every number feels like a countdown
What if the time runs out on my fate?
And I’m left in the blankness of obscurity
With no rope to help me climb out
Shaking my head, I grip my pen,
And begin to write.