From September to June
even between semesters
I would always have in mind
the work that had to be done:
the homeworks forgotten,
the term papers yet due.

The work expected
would remain with me,
even in sleep
behind eyelids.
I would be haunted
throughout the schoolyear,
worried about what was left to do
until July
when all the papers were written,
the tests taken
and the grades were in
and there was nothing left to worry
or fear or consider.
I’d done everything there was to do.
If I tried any more
it would still come to nothing.
Resolution
was out of my hands.
The results were in.
I’d crossed the divide
and for good or ill
my fate had been decided.

There are times
when before and after
are separated by a distinct schism
based on a date
or a decision
or an action
like the end of the school year
or a military attack
or an breakthrough single
and all processes are resolved
for good or ill.

I am currently unclear
as to whether
I know how to recognize
one of those times.