Assignment deadline

Look, look around the room; see chaos and destruction

Dirty mugs and papers lost to chronic black hole suction

Essay due today by five; there’s no time left to stuff around

Meltdown written on my face and data now cannot be found

Gasp, gasp – forgot my argument – now I am truly screwed

Try to find some logic in notes stained with coffee and junk food

Neighbor’s mutt is barking loudly (RSPCA is on my mind)

Where’s that wretched quote by Glenn? (Extension needed: going blind)

Laugh, laugh in manic glee (‘No Doze’ is over-rated)

I’ve lost the plot, I’m history; my brain has abdicated

Stupid question makes no sense: what language do these people speak?

Sit and waste an hour wondering if lecturer is Greek

Rip, rip my essay up, every word on every page

(Correct use of referencing would surely be an advantage)

How come I still cannot spell when I have under-grad degree?

Try to plead my case with lecturer via mental telepathy

Error, error flashes on screen; system shutdown creates dread

Neighbor’s dog is now howling (fleeting thought: don’t buy purebred)

Heart attack at two to five; I say a prayer and click on ‘send’

Turn the room upside down; find Assignment two: my new best friend

Originally written 2006