We Grow Up Too Fast These Days

a poem about growing up

We grow up too fast these days,
And before we know it,
We are eighty five
And have three months to live. Before
We realize it, our five year old selves, careless
And jovial, turn too fast into adults.
We get phones in elementary school,
And part time jobs to support ourselves when
We are fourteen. Years later, exiting college
And entering full time jobs,
We look back, asking ourselves "where did the time go?"
And, more importantly, "what time do I have to pick up the kids from school?"
We live slow minutes, fast hours,
And even faster lives. All while recalling that once
We were young and restless for the future we now wish to rewind
And no matter how far back in our minds we push the thought,
We are constantly reminded by the ache
And longing to return to a home which diminished years ago.