knowledge of the ages

that feeling
of being so full of knowledge-
robust with the answers
to every perceivable question.
knowing that, if given time,
wonders could be worked with words.

a dry cough, a sniff here and there
and a hope that within the hour
you will be relieved of this burden.
tense, sitting on the edge of your seat
worried that you haven't studied enough
repeating formulas and verses over and over
until you start mixing them up.
a nervous tapping of your foot begins
implying that your whole body is ready to explode.

then, the test is given
and you are nearly blasted from your chair
as words pour from you unrestrained
onto the blank pages of paper on your desk.

the answers will come.
the test will be taken.
and a grade will be given.
but for now you are writing
in cadence with your heart,
for now you are illustrating
the knowledge of the ages.