That happend to me while I was studying for my civil servant exams at the library. I saw some people studying for the university access exams. I remember one who was studying maths... I felt a mix of nostalgia and happiness as I remembered myself studying that stuff! I've to say, I like maths... 😉
Thank you! I’m glad it resonated. I thought that there might be lots of people like me, studying alongside high school or university students, who feel a little older than they really are. I’m only 27, but boy did I feel like an old chap.
It went well! Still haven’t found the time to write about it, what with moving to another city as a result of the exam and having lots of other stuff I wanted to write first. But I promise I’ll get down to it, eventually 😂
Good luck, man. I'm sure you'll ace it. But yeah, relate. Although I'm not doing exams these days, I'm setting plenty for my students and I am aware of their palpable fear and anxiety around it. I remember those undergrad days well, though I am also baffled at the chasm of time that has transpired. There are different milestones and worries now, but often, on the other side, there's an empty feeling because the real enjoyment was the hurdle, not the act of being on the other side of it.
Great poem. I like learning about these kind of structures. I wasn't aware what a tanka was.
Thanks! I find that Japanese forms are not too unlike essays, in that they're mainly based on the poet's observations and thoughts.
About that empty feeling, yeah, I know it well. That's why I think we shouldn't put too much pressure on us to succeed in any exam/test, as it will take a toll on one's health and the result probably won't be worth it, in the end.
Do you ever hang out with Jason McBride at Weirdo Poetry? He does a monthly (I think) haiku prompt. I used to drop in on them a lot, but it's been a while.
Life is but a string of now, then nows are but a pile of exams, that can be split left and right, where on the left side nothing is right and on the right one, eventually, nothing is left. Still fun and worth our while, though. Baftă multă!
Going back to school, I completely feel you about being surrounded by younger students. It’s a reminder of when things appeared to be simpler, compared to the present. Anyways, enough of me rambling about my current experience, lol! Good luck on your exam-you got this! If you don’t mind me asking, what is this exam for?
It’s a state exam for lawyers who want to have access to government positions. At the end of the exam, I’ll get assigned to a post somewhere in the country for a one year traineeship, after which I’ll have to take another exam to become a full-time public servant.
That happend to me while I was studying for my civil servant exams at the library. I saw some people studying for the university access exams. I remember one who was studying maths... I felt a mix of nostalgia and happiness as I remembered myself studying that stuff! I've to say, I like maths... 😉
Good luck with your exam! 🍀
Thank you! I’m glad it resonated. I thought that there might be lots of people like me, studying alongside high school or university students, who feel a little older than they really are. I’m only 27, but boy did I feel like an old chap.
As someone who started University at 26, I know the feeling...
I hope all went well! Such a fantastic tanka. Gosh, I do not miss being a student and studying. Any time I dream about it I wake up in relief lol.
It went well! Still haven’t found the time to write about it, what with moving to another city as a result of the exam and having lots of other stuff I wanted to write first. But I promise I’ll get down to it, eventually 😂
We look forward to it! lol I hope your new place is treating you so much better.
Love the poem and wishing you every success Andrei.
Maureen! So nice to see you back here. I saw your email by the way, I just didn’t get the chance to reply yet, but I will!
Great tanka, all the best for the exams!
Thank you, thank you! 🙏🏻
Good luck, man. I'm sure you'll ace it. But yeah, relate. Although I'm not doing exams these days, I'm setting plenty for my students and I am aware of their palpable fear and anxiety around it. I remember those undergrad days well, though I am also baffled at the chasm of time that has transpired. There are different milestones and worries now, but often, on the other side, there's an empty feeling because the real enjoyment was the hurdle, not the act of being on the other side of it.
Great poem. I like learning about these kind of structures. I wasn't aware what a tanka was.
Thanks! I find that Japanese forms are not too unlike essays, in that they're mainly based on the poet's observations and thoughts.
About that empty feeling, yeah, I know it well. That's why I think we shouldn't put too much pressure on us to succeed in any exam/test, as it will take a toll on one's health and the result probably won't be worth it, in the end.
Good luck, Andrei! 🥂
And thanks for introducing me to Tanka poems. I may have to noodle with one.
Thank you, Meg! And yeah, I'm not much of a poet, but there's just something about Japanese poetry forms that I vibe with. I've also published a few haiku: https://www.practicespace.blog/p/no-22-household-haikus
Do you ever hang out with Jason McBride at Weirdo Poetry? He does a monthly (I think) haiku prompt. I used to drop in on them a lot, but it's been a while.
https://weirdopoetry.substack.com/s/weirdo-poetry-saturday-haiku-prompts
I’ve never joined, but I’ll look into it! Thanks!
Life is but a string of now, then nows are but a pile of exams, that can be split left and right, where on the left side nothing is right and on the right one, eventually, nothing is left. Still fun and worth our while, though. Baftă multă!
Very wise! Thank you very much! 👏🏻🫡
All the best on your exams. 🙏
Thank you kindly!❤️
Good luck!!!
Thank you, Chen!
Going back to school, I completely feel you about being surrounded by younger students. It’s a reminder of when things appeared to be simpler, compared to the present. Anyways, enough of me rambling about my current experience, lol! Good luck on your exam-you got this! If you don’t mind me asking, what is this exam for?
It’s a state exam for lawyers who want to have access to government positions. At the end of the exam, I’ll get assigned to a post somewhere in the country for a one year traineeship, after which I’ll have to take another exam to become a full-time public servant.
Wow, that’s pretty great! I’m excited for you😄Keep us updated on how it goes? Sending lots of calm vibes and thoughts your way!
Yas, I’ll probably be referencing it again at some point, hopefully in a happy context! Thanks a lot, Kimber!