The gray-eyed Clerk

“You there, student, your turn to tell us a tale that we may once again be in good spirits
During the trip to Brazil, you’ve been rather quiet, not one word or a peep.”
“Yes sir, I will tell my tale, but first let me put away my book.
I will tell a tale with lessons not to be learned in any normal week,
A tale of many things, but mostly importantly of knowledge.”
My tale begins in a small rural town, a student sits alone
Studying for his classes at his uncle’s upscale college.
He studies hard for hours on end, no one ever heard him moan.
Unconfident was he in his studious ways of learning things,
He believed himself to someday be beaten. A weakness for him
As he studied throughout the evening and then morning came.
A strong feeling of failure overtook him and his earning grew slime.
Still he tried so hard and went to college everyday
But one strange morn an unusual happening took place
From the western towns a new student strayed along.
His chin, he held high and glared at others with eyes of gray.
So sure and satisfied was he. He had no fear in his abilities and
Sat in front of the room.
He was confident as his knowledge made the others feel unused.
Every answer he knew, but strange it was in his basement,
He never studied; in his mind he knew it all. Day by day,
The other student who studied day and night, grew more frustrated his own
Studies. So lost in his despair he started to write.
He read his notes over and over till he ached all over.
Many times he wished for knowledge to make him smart and bright.
As he sat at his desk reviewing every piece of work.
Time after time, he grew more confident, despite the pressures
Of the genius gray-eyed clerk.
And that one, foolish was he! No book was opened,
No pen touched parchment. He believed that he was the best
And never be beaten. While the other’s knowledge deepened,
This fellow, in his mind, remained calm and unstressed.
The day came, the final test of the year,
In which students competed one on one for the school prize.
These two fellows against each other would appear,
One who studied and the one who didn’t –the one with gray eyes.
Questions came and both answered each
Few were answered correctly, much to his shock and dismay.
After time, the first began to remember and found his speech.
He answered correctly, good old gray eyes was outplayed.
The winner was the one, who studied hard each passing day,
Because he tried his best and found his confidence
With his own abilities. He soon then left and said goodnight
To his opponent who thought himself to be the smartest out of everyone else.
“So my friends don’t think yourself flawless. The moral of my tale, I’m sure you’ll agree:
‘Being dissatisfied of yourself is a weakness, believe in yourself and you’ll succeed.’