The Classroom - 2018

I've been here before

In this room

Not in the exact coordinate

More in a copy, an alternate reality

Perhaps of greater importance than the room is the feeling

That it is temporary, that it is a test, and that it isn't real

Yet important

As a rung or a hoop

But to what end

That is what I asked then

And now

Who is the judge or council

What is the quest or the journey

Practicing before I could attempt

The final ascent

But what of the subsequent

Steps

More steps

Never feeling

Ready

Nor knowing the end

Youth leaves you feeling unqualified, yet not caring

Age is worn now and this coat still doesn't fit

Is it the tailor or the diet that finally settles

The matter

And what of the outside

Pressure

Opportunity

Once this one passes, there will be another

And I fear I'll find myself

In a classroom

Looking out the window

And still, yet again

Seeing my reflection