The entirety of it gone faster than a race car-

Where did it go? How did I miss it?

It seems like not long ago Tom and Jerry was on the TV,

Spongebob on before dinner.

All of my mind consumed with having fun,

Tag, Hide n Go Seek, Cops and Robbers,

Balancing on beams while walking to class

Sitting in a car seat in the back of my mother’s minivan-

All of life’s problems solved by a pack of Gushers.

All worries erased by a new toy

Like a pencil on a fresh piece of paper.

The joys of childhood,

Not a care in the world-

Where did it go? How did I miss it?

It feels like yesterday I was jumping on the trampoline,

Riding my bike, playing horse in the driveway,

Spending nights with my grandparents,

Running around like a banshee -

The joys of childhood,

Not a care in the world.

Now I’m older,

But still having fun,

More independent, more self-sufficient.

I’m still just a kid

But my toys harder to reach,

Letters in math - no idea what to think.

My parents taking me everywhere

Not a clue how to drive a car-

Let alone a stick.

Where did it go? How did I miss it?

Now I’m in high school,

Compressing my time-

My toys all put away,

No time for fun, no time for games.

Where did it go? How did I miss it?

A heightened sense of responsibility-

Moved from the car seat to the driver’s seat

Problems too big for gushers to solve.

Life is heavier, not as free

Not as much bounce in the trampoline.

High school brings on other things,

Dating, prom, class rings.

The pressure is on

A glimpse into the real world.

The clock is ticking.

The alarm is set.

My days at home dwindle.

I am both elated and terrified.

Where did it go? How did I miss it?

The pictures have been taken,

The yearbook bought,

The quote chosen.

Essays written,

Applications submitted.

Huge choices I am too young to make.

How is it time?

How have I grown up so fast?

Just yesterday Spongebob was on

And mom was calling me to dinner.