I. Elementary School

From the smell of crayons on the desk,

and the wet paint on my hand.

Circling up on the carpet,

knowing it’s story time.

A note from mom and a PB&J,

the time we eat lunch.

Wiping the dirt of my jeans,

I run to the first open swing.

Bouncy houses at birthday parties,

Eating cake with my hands.

Mismatched pajamas,

Bedtime stories.

Off the yellow bus, I come home:

“How was your day?”

“Great!”

II. High School

 I am strong among the bustling students,

But I still feel absorbed.

I can take on my courses,

But I cannot balance my social life.

I can perform great achievements,

But I still feel there is more to be done, and nothing is enough.

An ongoing cycle: school, homework, school, homework.

How can I know what is right?

I feel I can persevere, overcome,

But then I feel hopeless.

I have my future ahead,

But how can I just leave the past behind?

Parked car in the driveway, I come home:

“How was your day?”

“Okay, I guess.”

III. College

Stepping out onto the lawn,

The sun drown’s its warmth on my face. 

Students playing frisbee on the green,

and having picnics on knitted blankets.

Small class lectures,

Having enthralling discussions with my peers.

Later I’ll go to a coffee shop, 

Or maybe get dinner with friends.

Venturing around the city,

Living my life independently.

I knew this is what I worked hard for,

All those years ago. 

I step into my dorm, kicking off my shoes to call my mom:

“How was your day?”

“Everything I’ve wanted.”