Academic Validation

I’ve been staring at my computer screen
For 3 hours now,
And my eyes kind of sting.
There’s pencil shavings everywhere,
And far too many tabs open,
But there’s no sign of tears,
Yet.

And I rub, and rub, and rub my eyes again,
For the billionth time.
But I can’t stop now,
Because my score of tomorrow’s paper must be high,
And if not, then I’ve committed-
I’ve committed a heinous crime.

And if my teacher doesn’t tell me “Good Job”,
Then I’ve done something horribly wrong,
And so I’ve threatened myself that I can’t get below a 90,
Because that will be a B.
And God Forbid I get a B.
God Forbid I’m worth nothing.