A single lightbulb glows
Against creeping shadows,
Working late at my desk,
I'm so tired I'm statuesque.
Droopy eyes stare
At mess everywhere:
White papers are scattered
With red ink splattered,
Broken pens and pencils
By other dumb utensils―
All needed in mass
For many a class.

The papers on my table...
I can't focus, I'm unable,
Haven't I studied enough
Though my tests are rough?
I'm studying for tomorrow:
My time I tried to borrow
From the night
To keep my grades right.
Sleep I ignore
Since grades matter more,
Just cram brain with info,
I'll forget it later though.

Pen loosens in my grip,
To the ground it slips,
My head inches down
To the papers around,
My eyelids drift lower
As breathing is slower,
Just a ten minute gap
Where I get to nap,
Before slipping away,
Bright numbers display,
It's the four a.m. mark
When all fades to dark.