Now That I'm All Grown Up

Now that I'm all grown up, I can eat chocolate before dinner
And stay up 'til 3 AM watching old movies.
I can leave my dirty socks in a pile on the bedroom floor
And undress in any room of the house I please.


Now that I'm all grown up I can have as many pets as I want
And take them all to bed with me.
I can eat pizza for breakfast and ice cream for dinner,
And talk on the phone to my heart's content.


Now that I'm all grown up, I have to watch my shekels,
And make sure I have enough money to pay the bills
Keep a roof over my head
Food on the table-- and in my tummy.


I have to reply only on myself.  For everything.
And sometimes I get weary,
From being alone,
And doing anything I want.


Now, that I'm all grown up, I miss my parents
And the life we had together.
The meals we shared.  The drives we took along the lake.
The company.  The consistancy.


Now, that I'm all grown up, I don't feel so grown-up.
I look back at my childhood and still cover my ears at loud noises
Look up at the stars
And cringe when I hear animals cry out in pain.


Knowing half my life is gone
And half, with luck, remains,
I don't feel all grown-up at all;
Just part grown and part older.

copyright 2010 -  Phyllis Perry