Neglected and Failed

You knew better. 

You. Knew. Better.

I was a classic example of your research expertise,

But when I asked for help,

I was faced with neglect.

With "I don't know"s.

With "No more extra time."

With "You wouldn't be a good example."

You could have helped.

You chose not to.

See, I was blind to this.

Behind a fractured skull, I had fractured thoughts.

I couldn't see through your smile and department praise.

I couldn't see that it was you who left me to

Claw.

Collapse.

Drown.

You failed me.

You. Failed. Me.

By giving me a C, you failed me.

This grade was not a reflection of my effort

Of my determination

Of my desperation

Of my fight.

It was a reflection of your neglect.

Of your neglect to help an injured student.

To apply your expertise to a student staring you in the face

To show a sliver of understanding to a student who tried to keep pace.

You looked a student in the eye,

A student who was trying,

And you said

"No. Not good enough."

I exceeded expectations,

But you expected me to be like everyone else.

You didn't trust a student you taught

To have learned from your teachings

To teach other students.

That's a reflection of your teaching,

Not of your student.

I exceeded expectations.

But you saw a letter

As a representation of a no-good resource to your next students.

You gave me a C,

Then failed to believe in me.

You failed me.

You failed your students.

You failed yourself.