growing up

“The Life of a Flower”

I am from the childhood home

with a tree house and a hill.

I’m from the neighbors,

that have kept me safe time and time again.

I am from the move

that led me to a new home

with a backyard big enough for tea parties.

I’m from the new friends,

the innocent and bold,

that taught me to be free.

I am from the first day of school, 3rd grade,

when I learned to squeeze myself in a box,

so tight there was no room for individuality.

I’m from the meanies and the geeks,

from everything I thought I was,

and yearned to become.

I am from the visits to Germany

and family I couldn’t quite understand.

I’m from the strawberry gelato and walks through the vineyard,

the cool breeze and cherry trees.

I’m from the annual family party,

as well as the year the family got smaller and the party was no more.

I am from a family of struggle,

from good times and bad.

I’m from an uncertain future and a confusing past.

I’m from a hospital waiting room

to the chair in the children’s ward.

I am from those moments,

like a flower that’s been plucked,

I grew and then I withered.

Too much, too soon.

Poem by L.T.

Say Less, Think More