Fear of Failure

All those kids/young adults who commit suicide during finals week.

It is silly?
To know you hold my life
In the tip of your red felt pen

It is silly?
That my destiny relies on my dying hope
For a colorblind future of black and white

The cardinal life that flows in my veins
The bittersweet ink that bleeds through sweat
Like these tears on paper, one in the same

I can't do this, I can't do this

Is it insane?
To challenge fate with my blade?
To know you cannot leave
That crimson tide on a bloodstained page

Author's Note

Just note, I'm not going to kill myself, but seriously, the pressure some kids impose on themselves to be flawless and get perfect grades is ridiculous. Please review honestly.

Photo Credit: Unknown Google supporter

Reviews

[Justin Littlefield]

Yes, it is unfair how strictly directed the river must flow, how far the freedom of the oceans may be. I've felt it too, as have the best of us. Pressure proceeds expectations, in-and-extrinsic, and to not disappoint, sanity will be tested. It seems that "gifts" aren't welcomed in this world, neither passion; a person's worth is measured by concurrence to the drawn lines, not by perspective. It is these principals that do not daunt the power to pass judgment, in the positions of those indifferent. It's wrong, and it deters some who may lead the future. Imagine if nobody considered Isaac Newton or Albert Einstein, because they weren't properly applied students...

[Peaceworker22]

You misspelled 'dying'.

But, from what I interpreted, it seems that how well you do in school decides the fate of your future as well as the grades you earn from your instructors, but the constant pressure of wanting to excel in everything can become overwhelming.

Also, there is a quote by Edward Bulwer-Lyton from his play, Richelieu, that matches what you have written perfectly. "The pen is mightier than the sword." It is true, for the pen can change destiny based on what is written, and it can inform others of what is to come if you have gathered intel from the enemy lines. The sword then becomes pretty much useless because one could launch a surprise attack on the enemy forces, making it ineffective to use.

Furthermore, if you know your enemy well and remain unseen, they have absolutely no chance to retaliate.

And finally, What I mean by 'enemy'...

'Enemy' could have multiple meanings, from a subject that you are struggling with, your inner demons, and like you mentioned, your own fate. Very well done. :)

[DeliriousCerises]

Hah, it's funny you mention that quote because I was totally thinking about that when I wrote this. Although I didn't have quite the historical understanding of it that you do. Thank you for your detailed insightful review. Oh and for pointing out that technical error, spelling has never been my strong point.

[Peaceworker22]

I actually just researched who had made this quote, then copied what I had seen. Just remember this, gathering accurate intel is very vital to winning a war, but misinformation can cause the death of a whole country. -My inner shinobi. And by the way, you are most welcome. Another word of wisdom: If you think like a strategist would, naturally you shall become one.

[Clockwork]

It is great to excel and achieve academic success, although one has to make sure that they are considering their personal welfare. It is impossible to come up with an idea that can change the world if one puts to much pressure on themselves and makes a decision like you described in this piece. I think that it is a good thing that you pointed this issue out and made us remember that there is more to a person than the mark they make on the page. It is about the person first--who they are and what they stand for.

[Freckled Princess]

You don't know how much this means to me.
People I love have tried to commit suicide, so thank you.

[Remember Courage]

oh this is such a sad piece. I really enjoyed the end, the last line really got to me like a knife stabbing deep and hard. I love the topics like these because its not something we joke about. Most kids joke about "your mom" or whatever but bring up suicide and everyone goes silent. You can't laugh at the game of death. We all thought about it, but do we ever thing to admit it? This piece was so touching. I love it.

[JohnnyMagrinho]

Colourblind future of black and white.

I do like some of these phrases you come up with. The theme is harshly felt but it's nice how it comes thick and fast at the end of the poem, sort of like the gentle, calm feeling before the rush of blood.

Perhaps would be an idea to continue this one?