Today I had an emotional breakdown In front of a thirteen year old I told her that I just wanted to run away That I experienced the feeling Drapetomania An overwhelming urge to run away I declared that all I wanted to do with my life Was to live in a cottage with the Love of my life Read books and live serenely I don't want stress I don't want this terrible nonsense Called 'matric' And to beg for bursaries from the man with money For a job I may not even enjoy I just want to be happy I want to be loved I want to caress the world with my writing in books And touch individuals with profound poetry Why must I go on with stress Why oh why Must life for an eighteen year old be Oh so difficult I just want to be happy I want to run away To my cottage in the mountains Where my quiet symphony reigns.