Growing Up

I was just but a youngling,

just learning to walk and to talk.

I was beginning to explore-

the world that held so much,

mystery and excitement.

I was just but five years,

heading off to kindergarten,

leaving Mommy behind for the day.

To brave the large world,

all by myself.

I was just ten years old,

well I forgot what I did at ten.

I was just of sixteen years,
starting to blossom into a young woman.

Learning to spread my wings and
learning how to fly on delicate wings.

I was just of seventeen years,
starting to grow closer and closer,
to leaving the nest,
and becoming a “big bird”,
to survive all on my own.

Now I am seventeen going on eighteen,

stretching my feathered limbs out,
looking over the edge as I take a breath,
ready to soar to better places.