my Mind was young, innocent, and hopeful

the prospects of Life shone brightly in front of me

but

Tragedy struck; rapidly, abruptly

then hardship after hardship came and went

and

I was left sullen, broken, and resentful

 

Friends departed

Hearts were left in pieces

Misunderstandings unsettled

 

my Heart became calloused, bitter, and cold

the beauty of Life became dull

but

Good Fortune arrived; sluggishly, covertly

then laughter and compassion returned

and

I began to become cheerful, restored, and pleasant

 

Friends returned

Hearts were mended piece by piece

Misunderstandings clarified

 

my Mind was aging and so was I

Adulthood drew nearer and nearer

but

I was not ready

yet still it arrived; dauntingly

and

ill addressed changes ensued

 

Uncertainty accompanied me wherever I went

Stress permeated each thought

Failure became an inevitable reality

 

the variables of Life continue to bewilder me

the loss of my Adolescence

the increase of my Fear

the stability of my Friendships

both my Mind and Heart have grown

for better or worse?

that is still to be seen