You’ve woken up at 6 am and your emotions are high,
It’s sign out day. You get ready and take it all in.
You’re waiting for the moment you tell your friends good bye,
You’re waiting for the moment you drop your pen and grin.
You’ve dressed your very best,
Hair, shoes, makeup and the rest.
You’ve come to school, you’ve seen your peers,
You’re smiling so hard it almost brings you to tears.
You’ve never liked this school or the four years you spent here,
You’ve hated the lectures, assignments and everything else that brought fear.
But today is the one of those days you’re truly happy.
The invigilators are here, exam papers arrive,
They’re early and shockingly you’re not even angry,
It’s the best paper you’ve ever written and it’s also your last,
It’s the best paper you’ve written and it’s also sign out day.
The energy outside is loud and high,
There’s cheering, screaming and shouting.
There’s pictures, gifts and music,
There’s hugs, pecks and tears.
This is what it feels like to be done.
But then it’s all over and you’re back home.
Your parents are in the living room with their awaiting speech.
It’s time to talk about your future. Or rather it’s time for them to plan it.
“You’re no longer a child. Life has started.”
Three simple words, one heavy sentence.
They throw the next steps at you without pausing,
NYSC, Job application, Masters.
It’s not even up to you to choose, it’s up to them.
Yet minutes ago, they said you’re no longer a child.
Why do they need to decide, why do they need to demand?
I thought you’re no longer a child?
Suddenly you’re in another battle,
The battle of choosing your next step,
If you’re even allowed to.
The options around you are too many,
And your parents have a dozen opinions about what they think is best for you.
You didn’t know you ended four years of war to start another one,
You didn’t know your next big step already came,
Right after you submitted your final papers,
Right after you took pictures with your friends,
Right after you posted, “This user has signed out.”
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