Failure is a Moth

Moth on a lantern
Originally uploaded by ZekaG.

Failure
is a moth
seduced by
the kitchen light
enmeshed between
the bulb and screen door.

Not to be confused with giving up-- that is the loser’s luxury of choice. Giving up is the decision not to run another mile, study another chapter, or stay at work another hour. It is the excuse to circumvent ever having to face failure.

Real failure is being up against the wall, pushing ahead, knowing success is not an option. It’s all in the not giving up. Like a boxer, beaten down by the punch, clinging to the ropes for another round.

That’s how I feel right about now, beaten down and clinging to the ropes for dear life.

Commencement for the graduate school of education is scheduled for next Thursday. I’ve already purchased my cap and gown, called out for work, and invited my family to attend the ceremony, which will take place with, or without me.

Right now my comprehensive exam in under final review. I’ve worked to the exclusion of friends and family over the last four months. Forget that. Count four years and thousands of dollars invested into this education. And it all comes down to two blind reviewers with their pass/fail stamps.

So, I wait with seven days until commencement, considering the possibility of the red-inked stamp of failure.

Tags: grad, graduate, school, failure, commencement, comps, comprehensive exams, exams