Racing fast
leaving crimson marks
upon white expanse
tracing cursive lines
perfectly written
by the teacher
scribbles becoming legible.
“I’ve got the hang of this”
I tell myself
flowing effortlessly
as I maneuver to and fro
upon a wide tableau
quicker we go
heart and machine
accelerating.
I watch him
make a sweeping arc
poetry in motion
I follow suit
trying to execute
the loop with grace.
But I colored outside the lines
uncertain what happened
illegible marks
tell the tale.
I study the lines
my ego bruised
to a deep crimson
knowing that
I got ahead of myself.
“Mistakes are great teachers”
I say
as I hold my ribs
take a breath
and begin again.
Jason Kanz 