As a child I was longing to see;
those glorious times ahead of me.
The ocean called as did the stars.
Riches I’d have and fancy cars.
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I’d marry a princess, have lots of kids.
I’ll do all the things that mom forbids.
I’d stay up late and eat lots of sweets.
I’ll sleep till noon on soft flannel sheets.
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Teen years came, dreams went astray.
I dreaded school and my life in every way.
But off I trudged through rain and snow.
Where I was going I didn’t know.
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Hair grew long and patience grew thin.
Trouble was found, most from within.
The rage was waning by senior year.
My future was waiting tied to a pier.
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Adventures were had though not for long.
I did some things I knew were wrong.
The hammer fell then back on the street.
Many days traveled to get home and eat.
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Dad was displeased, mom’s not surprised.
It was about my time to get civilized.
I rode the bus to work at the mill.
The paychecks earned were never to thrill.
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My life, I thought, was now just a waste.
Decision made poorly and with great haste.
Dreams of the past seemed now far away.
Would the rest of my life be like today?
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Options getting fewer, debts soon to grow.
Choices are but two, the time’s now to go.
At that very instant dreams came back in view.
As learning from the past will awaken you.

~*~
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