Growing up is a safe,

Whose key has been lost!

The confines of rules, feel like a box

Some days are transparent,

Giving you the illusion of freedom

With age the walls grow thick,

But the key seems within grasp!

Time ticks slowly,

But too soon the door is unlocked

Stepping through the glimmering ray,

you bring ideals of hope, freedom, and joy

As you strut into the musty air,  

Awakened and alert

Your eyes opened too late

Your esteem tingles under anger’s eager spite

Bitterness surrounds you,

a mocking fog

Oh to flee back into the safe haven!

But the key is gone

And there you find yourself,

discarded in a world whose heart is stone,

Lost and alone

Occasionally the memories pay a welcome visit

Melting your icy heart,

The time tiks on

Once taken for granted,  

It will not return

The illusion of freedom has vanished

As the odor of reality is inescapable

And as time has begun to slow,

Second chances are still in that box

Any twinkle of joy has left you widowed and alone

Regret has returned with a key named Hope

You snatch it with great joy!

Oh deceit!

The box has sealed you in yet again,

But now it’s forever closed.

Over all of your life

You missed the show.

The wedding was forgotten

The kids were rotten,

Teens grew worse and were replaced

By rebellion and that silly illusion of adulthood

Forgotten, they too have gone, dejected

Hugs, laughter, tears, and snuggles

Missed

While bills and perfection stole your attention

Where is the key to rewind?

Oh please!

You had your chance,

The key has passed on,

But where?

Oh where will your children go?