Intelligence 

and talent, 

and even poverty 

They all deserve 

a reward 

to an education. 

But average 

is nothing 

outstanding, heart-wrenching. 

Average won't 

inspire 

awe, disbelief, pity. 

We sit sidelined, 

watching as 

scholarships soar away 

to somebody  

deserving 

who knows pain or science, 

their poetry 

unmatched, and  

their smarts are unquestioned, 

give them money! 

scholarships! 

Grant them their new future! 

But average 

sits sidelined, 

always empty-handed. 

Money is not  

just given 

to lower middle class. 

We are too rich  

for meager 

sympathy, compassion. 

But are too poor 

to afford 

a university. 

The average, 

left behind 

to fight and drown alone, 

Understand.