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I am Wise, but Exams Treat Me Unwisely

By Simon Kawere, Senior 4, Kikaaya College School

My dear exams! To me revisions are given in advance. Cramming begins day and night, but things are not mastered well. A day, an hour, a minute, a second, oh gosh-time is rushing faster than water, if not wind.

In classroom, words of encouragements are common before exams approach. All tend to come earlier than before. Special prayers are said, but God seems to be asleep. People get fever, cough and look worried unlike before.

Time for exams-inside the examination room prayers in all languages are said as though one has wronged God. Papers are supplied, but they seem heavier than a bible. Pens are heavier than a hammer. At sight letters are heavier than a frying pan and legs are not firm as if the 'Ndombolo' music is playing. Time is up, stand up! Oh God, caught unawares saying prayers to get the answers right. I have not finished-our song again...time.

After exams holidays are at the door and some go for a long vacation.

People leave school with mixed feelings. On reaching the village, lightly smiling congratulations come from all corners, but for my friend the 'thank you' is heavy. Temporary employment is the best way to pass time, but little money can be got through the non-professional levels.

Soon after, one tries to read through the envelopes covered with words of success and encouragement received through those days. Then it is announced: "Examinations are released, slightly better than the previous year."

One dresses to the nines for the collection of exams, while others are anxious.

"What really is the performance? I must have done well. I did the best I could." Forgetting the questions left unturned.