who you were

the world does
not welcome you with
quick glad
tidings but with
a slap, a scale,
a tape
with which
to measure
and weigh
the size of you.
this taking stock
of you goes
on and on, into
old age. the markings
into ledgers,
of grades.
the scores of tests.
the band tightly
around your arm
giving a reading
as to the stress
you've endured,
or are under.
the scrutiny
of numbers, all
adding up
to something,
giving a tangible
glimpse of
who or you were.
recorded in your
permanent
record along side
the words,
gets along well
with others,
with some
exceptions.