THERE IS THE BEGINNING

There’s the beginning, which is always confusing.

No one knows the rules except the old hands, and they struggle to explain what’s going on.

The newbies strive, some of them, while others give up almost immediately.

Then the middle.

a long slog.

It’s become quite clear what is expected: work, work, and more work.

And the end—it’s always the same.

The end comes suddenly crashing through the door,

sweeping everyone up into a frenzy.

No use trying to plan rationally-the end is always the same.

And then it’s over. Time for some newbies,

Again.

---By Sara Tusek

This poem describes taking a class at college, but it can be looked at from other angles--any new commitment starts, continues, and ends this way.