Hello Kitty smiled at me 

and waved in stickers while I squealed,

something simple gave me glee,

and sadness when in age they peeled,

Stories of heroes came along,

with swords and villains and lightening bolts,

immersed in worlds where I was strong,

to fight and vanquish Voldemort,

A haircut here and braces there,

I was taller than before,

Brand new jeans that I could wear,

and walk to class that I abhor,

Debates and papers stacked in folders,

dirty cleats by bedroom closet,

Hello Kitty's getting older,

"I'd like to make a bank deposit",

Cleats to heels; ideas into beliefs,

I shakily walked the stage; diploma in hand,

I watched red and black caps in their release,

and knew my future would be grand.