The Price of a Degree

University taught me that hunger attends lectures too.

Some mornings, my pocket is quieter than the library.

The timetable is full,

but my stomach keeps asking different questions.

Assignments pile up like rainy clouds.

Results become prayers before they become grades.

Some friends become family.

Some promises disappear after group projects.

The classroom gives knowledge.

The hostel gives survival.

A lecturer may forget my face,

but my effort remembers every sleepless night.

One day,

this worn-out notebook

will become a testimony.

These tired feet

will walk into purpose.

And every struggle

will finally answer

to the name called success.