Pulling myself up from crawling to walking.
Shaping coos and caws into intelligent talking.
A towheaded toddler on a mission to grow,
But I wasn't fully human--
Not yet.
Driver's license and diploma duly awarded.
18th year privileges to me were afforded.
Had the world by the tail on a downhill slope,
But I wasn't an adult--
I was bluffing.
A battery of lessons outlined and planned.
Seating chart, red pens, and inspiration in hand.
The classroom a caravel with me at the helm,
But I wasn't a teacher--
I had good intentions.
Vows of fidelity tearfully said.
Nervous but gentle in the honeymoon bed.
Across the threshold with a wife in my arms,
But I wasn't a husband--
Not fully.
Nursery accoutrements assembled and ready.
Delivery room sidekick holding her steady.
They put a life in my hands and let me walk out the door,
But I wasn't a father--
I was afraid.
As a functioning adult in the balance I must live.
Needs versus wants. Take versus give.
I keep the plates spinning and just try not to crack,
But I'm not an expert--
I learn as I go.
When we've funded our Roth and emptied our nest,
We'll turn our attention to retirement rest.
Adventures of a new sort as we live out our days,
But we won't know what we're doing--
We'll be starting over.
Last will and testament by a notary sealed.
The final scenes of my life will be gradually revealed.
Grasping for the sunset as it fades into twilight,
But I won't know what it's like--
It will be my first time.
Champions, dictators, celebrities, and doormen,
Activists, artists, and factory foremen,
The young doctor in surgery, or the priest in confession;
We're not who we say we are--
We're just doing our impression.