A rhyme for exam time

'TWAS the week before exams,
As odd thoughts filled my head.
I'm excited about these tests,
They don't fill me with dread.

Certainly, I'm thrilled
That this class work will be done.
But the real reason is much deeper,
It's what makes the season such fun.

The real reason should not
Be an idea that is new.
After next week, we're home.
How could exams make you blue?

We all should be excited,
For something personal to not just me.
It's a thing common to us all,
It's home, can't you see?

It's important to remember,
The fun this semester has been.
But it is the thoughts of home
That will make us grin.

After the pain of next week,
You'll spend time with your brother.
You'll talk with your sister,
Your father and mother.

These days up ahead
Are filled with great joy.
Much different than summer,
This break won't be coy.

Pretty soon you shall greet,
With friends you've ignored.
You'll share stories and laughter,
Never once feeling bored.

We'll have our freedom back,
When these exams finish.
Life won't be about grades,
We'll do what we wish.

Home has a nice ring to it,
And I've been saying it often.
It reminds me of peace,
Of family -- my own personal heaven.

These semesters, they fly by,
I don't think anyone would doubt.
When we realize how fast time passes,
It's hard not to pout.

Now I am one to complain,
As I sit here and realize.
Where has the time gone?
I can see age in my eyes.

Where are those days
Of my irresponsible youth?
I write this on a Saturday night,
What could be better proof?

I definitely do lament,
This quick passage of time,
But these coming weeks are different,
They've encouraged me to rhyme.

It's home that we work for,
It should be our reason.
Don't let exams get you down,
They're not part of the season.

This morning try to smile,
Because the end is quite near.
Yes, it's a sign we're getting older,
And that is something to fear.

But it's also a sign,
That vacation is 'round the corner.
The home cooked feasts are near,
And the car we'll soon pack her.

We long for the days when
We're free from toil of class,
The days we can sleep,
And still have time for Mass.

We long for those days,
So close, they're a danger.
To make it through these exams,
We'll need to stay focused a little longer.

Though this semester shall end,
With each Blue Book we give
We'll still look forward
To the next semester we'll live.

We look forward to new classes,
To new lessons and new books.
We look forward to a clean slate,
One without crannies or nooks.

These days will come soon,
Bringing with them new knowledge.
I wish you the best next week.
Hey, it's part of college.

So, make sure you are safe,
As home you'll soon seek.
The joy of the season to all,
And to all: Good luck next week.

(Luke Ryan is a Cavalier Daily columnist.)