When I was seven-and-ten

  My mother, she would say,

“You’re not ready for college.

  You’re going to lose your way;

Forget all of your dreams

  And just stay home with me.”

But I was seven-and-ten

  And I just wanted to be free.

When I was seven-and-ten

  People told me frequently,

“Don’t let her get you down!

  Be who you want to be;

So please make smart decisions,

  And notice all the costs.”

And now I’m nine-and-ten

  And I couldn't be more lost.

                                     -A mirror of When I was One-and-Twenty by A. E. Housman