Eighteen arduous years elapsed
but still was I a child.
The world perplexed me
and scolded toxic curiosity.
I tried my hand and my luck.

Troubles trailed behind me
into beckoning summer
where friendships flourished
and restored my confidence
until life no longer unnerved me.

When deciduous trees
would shed red leaves,
my wisdom found its way.
Nineteen nimble candles melted;
alone was I again.

With bulky bricks
I built big dreams,
that I knew now how to reach.
Twenty years slip by this fall
but I'm closer to rising than ever.