confused-and-misunderstood:

Under the school logo, center stage

The principal beckoned me up, announced my name 

I had to make a speech of the class’ coming of age

I was nervous, for these conversations were always the same

I slowly climbed the stairs and faced the hundreds of people. I was only eighteen. 

 

With a crackling voice I pushed out the first words

And spoke of memories and moments to come

All my classmates’ fantasies were soaring like birds

And parents were sad, going numb

For their babies were growing up, leaving high school. I was only eighteen.

 

As I stood at the podium recalling how we’ve grown

I looked all around me, observing the faces of my peers

I was overcome with emotion but wouldn’t dare let it be shown

For I was thinking about change and a countless number of fears

In that moment I realized life was moving fast. I was only eighteen.

 

I ended the lecture with a “Hooray!” 

And walked off stage to the sound of applause 

Everyone’s mood was jubilant, however mine was only turning gray

These goodbyes meant no more hellos, I was mad life couldn’t pause.

When the principle said the final congrats all my associates stood up and clapped

 

And I sat there, only eighteen.