By Jamie Mackenzie - Year 13, St Hilda's Collegiate School
In high school they try to teach us,
about algebra, the second world war and market equilibrium.
But I've learnt more from the girl sitting next to me,
than anything I've ever read from a textbook.
The girl sitting next me,
constantly checks a blank screen.
A burning gaze that is never reciprocated.
I've learnt that the time it takes for a person to text back,
is directly proportional to your self worth.
I imagine I am just like her,
pampered and polished to perfection.
But is that really me,
or am I just cowering in her shadow?
Subsisting on the scent of her perfume.
I despise the girl sitting next to me,
she who never colours outside of the lines.
Silently watching, without engaging,
judging me with unclosed eyes.
But I find,
I need the girl sitting next to me.
Otherwise all I will ever be taught,
is algebra, the second world war and market equilibrium.
