When I was young and all-too wise
I knew exactly what I would do
"I will grow up quickly and become a success
Like
my parents have always wanted me to"
During middle school I threw away
All the toys from my childhood
I had no need for them anymore
They would never do me any good
I knew it was my time
My time “before”
Before graduation and college
I couldn’t wait anymore
So I ignored my friends and took every job
And every internship as well
So I could hit the ground running before everyone
And made money and worked like hell
And I loved every second of it
As I welcomed the “Daily Grind”
I worked and was the head of my class
As I left my friends behind
It was my time
My time “before”
Before spouses and settling down
I would never be poor
As I look at these Diplomas they make me proud
Of all of my success
And my self-determination and self-worth
And never settling for less
Now I look at these papers, and they make me sad
But I have no one to blame but myself
Because I look back at my childhood days
And all I see are empty shelves
This is my reward
My reward “before”
Before growing up and moving on
Loneliness and more
This is my success
My success “before”
But I have nothing
Before the “before.”
Copyright 2019 Scott C. Forrest-Allen
