As I sit still, allowing my mind

To dwell on fond and past times,

I begin to look in retrospect

At my many triumphs and avoided wrecks.

 

Even as a child, it was evident

That I possessed and understanding truly magnificent

And had a relationship most intimate

With a God who is ever omnipotent.

 

During my years in elementary

I had grades that were pretty exemplary

And a photographic memory

That recalled images expertly

Not to mention my creativity

Which radiated inspiration and positivity!

 

Then there was middle school,

And, though I wasn't the most cool,

I swiftly took to the air

As a percussionist who often earned First Chair!

 

I proceeded into Junior High

Streaking through a cloudy sky,

Ever careful to ignore the insults

That struck at me like vicious lightning bolts.

 

And apparently, my efforts paid off,

For though my haters laughed and scoffed,

They weren't the ones who, at the age of thirteen

Earned an incredible trip across the seas!

 

By the way, how many can say

That their academic efforts paved them a way

To salutatorian? To valedictorian? Nay,

But to an achievement so high it made the principal say, "Hey!"

 

"This kid is awesome! This kid is great!

His performance level is of a ridiculous rate!

And, boy, he's certainly no fool,

He scored on a scale that's post-high school!

 

I was a junior high kid excelling like a college student,

Which is probably why mom and dad found it prudent

To take me to a place of higher knowledge

Where I would go on to finish high school and college!

This is a young man who can happily

Say that he's earned a diploma and a college degree!

 

I don't say these things to brag.

There were definitely times when life was quite a drag!

But I say them because I cannot help but be proud

Of my success, and the God whose name I seek to make loud.

 

I look back on lessons learned,

Opportunities missed, relationships burned,

And thank my Lord for what he's taught me

Through the little, trivial things.

 

Now, as I take the time to reflect

On memories that I will never neglect,

My heart is stricken with a sharp pang,

And all I can really say is..."DANG!"

 

I begin to realize how far I've come

With my school credits amassed to a sizable sum

The advice of my parents sticking like gum

And the weight of my calling leaving me numb.

 

However, I can't stop here,

And certainly not to entertain fear.

With my head always looking up,

I can never quite get enough

Of busting barriers and breaking new ground

While dropping dead weights like restraining pounds.

 

As I proceed into a new chapter,

I take firm hold of my "it" factor,

Determined to use it as an instrument

With which I will implement

A revolution of distinct individuals who range

From the youngest to the most advanced of age

All called to purpose, all seeking a change.