The Boards Syndrome
Namaste Aunty, it's nice to see you Any recent news that's been freshly brewed? You must be enjoying oldage these days You've been keeping well, Mom says Yes I'm in Grade 10, thanks for reminding Aunty, I know I have boards, of course I'm studying Oh sorry was that rude? I'm a little tense you see Exams are in 10 days as you reminded so nicely My plans after 10th? I'm not very sure... Perhaps I'll write a book or find cancer's cure Oh you meant my career? Oh dear me How can I decide, I'm only fifteen! Yes I'm taking Humanities, I hope I'll do well (See how her smile suddenly fell!) Yes aunty ARTS you're not going deaf No I'm not 'bad' at studies, but Arts is my interest (How come she stopped smiling; was it something I said?) Pardon me? Oh no, no stress has gone to my head No, Science is too complex, and Commerce is actually great But I like Arts best, why does it get so much hate? (Ask about my hobbies too; I do have a life! Oh wait, I'm in tenth, my neck is on the line!) What was that, aunty? Nothing concerning me? If that's all then, can I take your leave? Goodness, that was tiring, I should've stayed home 'Least I could've tried doing Physics, though it is a bore Remind me, Mom, why did you send me down? For some fresh air or to see those aunties frown?
In India, at the age of fifteen (Grade 10) we give exams called "Board Examinations", somewhat like the SAT system, except this thing literally decides your future. It's really, really stressful and takes a huge toll. Pretty much everyone's aiming for 90% and above unless you want to slack off and miss out on the top 10% colleges, basically deeming you have no future. SO pretty much everyone knows about it, and they still piss you off with stupid questions. This poem is to alleviate some of the pent up tension and frustration.