After eighteen years of being alive,

I finally realized it is my time to thrive.

Sure, I knew I was growing up,

but I feel as though I've just woken up.

Early morning dew is fresh on the grass

as I observe myself in the mirrored glass.

So much has changed since I was little;

Unprepared to face the world, I feel brittle.

The years just came and went

before I realized my real intent.

I learned to read and write and love,

and for that I thank the Lord above.

A few years later, I learned to drive,

and adulthood was soon to arrive.

I sat in my chair at graduation

while reality hit me with frustration.

I'm not just a child anymore;

growing up has become a chore.

Around the corner, college stands;

the future is in my hands.

As senior year came to an end,

I realized how much money I'm soon to spend.

While paying for college is stressful,

I know it's the key to becoming successful.

All grown up now, I seem to be;

let's see what the world has planned for me.