the line

[mmeblack]

my adv. chem 11
makes me wonder
where the line went
between raw talent
and learned skill.

one of my classmates
had a 77
in English 10.
this morning, a presentation
about keeping your marks up
for university was made.

he loudmouthed about
his 96 in Math 10.
"you're going into science?"
I said, pleased
"you kidding?
he's going into arts."

that was my teacher
turning my career into
an insult against
one of my less bright friends.
my heart jumped into my throat
but I pushed it away

maybe I'll leave a long and detailed message on the machine
maybe I'll just complain because some people don't understand.

ranked and classified
shoved into slots where we'll fall forever
until we hit the bottom, at least
only then will we be allowed to climb.