A Letter to My Grades

Each term the entire school participates in a creative writing contest, named in honour of long-time Brentwood English teacher, yearbook editor and houseparent, Ms. Beth Meluish. Below is the free verse poem composed by the Grade 11 winner, Anna M, Alex ‘18. A Letter to my Grades Dearest Academic Average, Hello and greetings from the outskirts of the report card. I write to inform you that you no longer define me And I dismiss you. Apologies for the short notice, I understand the inconvenience. I do hope you will acquire A new position elsewhere. Please do not take this personally, Your presence was truly guiding. It was you who pushed me to excellence And taught me to be greater. The standard set was high So you told me to thrive And thrive I did To make you proud. Pleased Your happiness was my happiness As long as I prospered. But what if I stumbled On my way to achievement? What if I tripped On the stairs of merit? Ruthless you were, Enclosing me in a space That was overwhelming, tight. Stress Stress Stress Inundating me with thoughts of failure You were unhappy and I was destroyed Crushed You highlighted my faults in yellow And disregarded my accomplishments. Perfectionism was unattainable and The rage was inordinate. Why Why must I be faultless? Why is it that your notion of perfection Influences my Decisions Emotions and Standards? I am my own person With dreams and ideas. You are merely a guide. A number. Sincerely, Everyone.