Should Have Been Smart

I should have been smart. Brilliant, 
an amazing academic example.
 I should have been smart… inspired, and insightful, 
every word out of my mouth an incredible metaphor, with no one scrutinizing me. 
I should have been smart, made straight As, 
with the highest grade point average in my class.
 I should have been smart, and therefore trusted. 
Young children in awe when I walked down the street.
 I should have been smart, without even trying. 
A photographic memory, 
every page in my science book memorized, 
all 17th century literature, at the tip of my tongue.
 I should have been smart, 
Then I could have seen you coming, 
And been prepared.