I realized I was grown up

When I learned to apply makeup

And when I went through my first break up

There were a lot of things that molded me

Into everything I wanted to be

I realized I had to open my eyes and see

And that would truly be the key

I would notice different people's anger

Or realized when my mom discussed danger

But, the biggest thing that made me grow

Was realizing the love I had for strangers

I loved to hear their stories

Of all categories

From their time of glory

To their times of exploring failed territory

I began to understand

Everyone is a different man

Everyone is dealt a different hand

You can choose to fall, or you can choose to stand

When I grew up

I realized, to listen and not interrupt

For the stories people tell you

Are often about their break-through

You can learn so much

When you understand one's crutch 

And why they speak like such

Everyone has a story

You just have to stand back 

You cannot attack

Or give any feedback

You just have to listen

Then you'll see them glisten

You understand one's mission

Through how they describe their vision

All you have to do is listen

That's when I grew up.