Outside the Examination Schools, 9.21am

The regulations of the university
require your university ID,
your stationery, in see-through plastic bag ideally,
your gown and mortar board with subfusc (i.e.
dark suit or skirt, white shirt,
dark socks, black shoes,
black tie, white bow tie or black ribbon).

The regulations of the university
permit your bottled water if it isn’t fizzy,
your watch and wallet (which might be inspected),
expect a white carnation for your first exam
a red one for your last,
and pink for all exams between
(since traditions ought to be respected).

The regulations of the university
forbid your bags or phones or coats
your good luck charms, revision notes…