I took a test today that was supposed to be
An examination of my knowledge of my subject and of my proficiency
I had taken a similar test ten years ago
The change that has occurred since then, one which I did not know
Is that now it feels more like a test of endurance
Than a test of my knowledge and competence
*
Sitting through a ten hour test, even with built-in breaks
A lot of focus and stamina does take
Age has not been particularly kind to me
My attention span has dwindled considerably
Not only was I expected to sit for long stretches of time
I was expected to read through lengthy questions that seemed designed
To confuse the test-taker, I could not recognize
The concepts that were being tested, over each answer choice I agonized
*
My throat was parched, my back hurt, my eyes were dry
I was uncomfortable physically, I could not understand why
I had to subject myself to this torture every ten years
I would be in no shape to take the next one, I fear
*
After several excruciating hours I am finally done
I don’t know about my test performance but I feel like a medal I’ve won
