In the quiet corners of my mind, I ponder,

What do I truly desire?

A question echoing through life's halls,

Seeking clarity amidst the chaos.

Is it just about grades, the marks I chase,

Or something more, hiding beneath the surface?

In this school race, I strive to keep up,

Not for the joy of winning, but fear of falling behind.

Days filled with high school worries,

Deadlines and expectations, a constant whirl.

I yearn for simpler times, childhood's ease,

When nap time was all that mattered.

Now, I find myself erasing,

Trying to attain perfection that eludes me.

But is it really me, this perfectionist streak,

Or a shield against my insecurities?

I'm not unhappy, I know that well,

With love and laughter surrounding me.

Yet, the fear lingers,

That my happiness hangs on academic success.

But deep within, I question,

Do my grades define who I am?

In this journey of self-discovery,

I find comfort in life's imperfections.

For it's in those messy lines,

That true beauty resides.