My city is on fire

They raise the standards higher

And the marks on my papers get brighter and brighter.

Everything surrounding me in gray colored ashes

Broken, shattered, smoke stained glasses.

A metaphor to lighten up the unbearable truth.

A phrase I will use to conceal what I lose.

Watered down mascara or a tear stained face

Isn't enough to let me take a break.

Late assignments and crimson colored C's

Surround me as I mourn and wish to feel free

My world, my purpose, the reason I felt proud

Now is a reminder of who I let down.

The flashing bright colors of the warm red heat

Are the same color of the big red X on my math sheet.

I look down at my grade.

I see every mistake.

I'll keep it a secret just for your sake

I look back up to bright orange colors

Of my entire city lit up by fire.