Simply Poetry

Changed, pt 1

I've changed.
I'm not that bright-eyed kid anymore -
The one that loves to take piggy back rides
on my dad's back.

I'm not the kid
that sneaks into my parents bed
after a bad nightmare.

I don't need
someone to buy me balloons
every time a guy in a clown costume
comes by.

I don't need
someone to buy me ice cream
every time the truck turns up and trumpets
its tune.

I don't believe
in Santa Clause
or the tooth fairy
or the boogie monster, too.

I don't cry
after scraping my knee
and
I don't cry
after an ache in my tummy.

I don't get food
all over my face
or marker
all over my clothes.

I can count to infinity
and I can stay awake well past twelve-thirty.

I'm my own man.
I am independent -
ready to take on the world
And go where I want to go
When I want to go.

I tell my mom what I want to eat
And she makes it.
I tell my dad what I want to be
And he accepts it.
I tell my sister not to bother me
And she obeys.

I say things people tell me I shouldn't.
I do it anyway.

I buy my own things
with my own allowance.
I watch scary movies
but I'm not scared by them.
I make my own music
that I'm proud of.

I'm my own man.
I make my own decisions.
I'm not a kid.
I have my dreams and visions.
I will make it on my own.
I have my ambitions.

I'm not a kid
scared of cooties.
I have a girlfriend
whom I love duly.
And she loves me
So she'll get married
to me.

They say I'm too young.
They say I'm in a rush.
They say I don't know
What I want.

But I know who I am.
I know what I want.
I know I'm not
The same kid
That I was.

I'm my own man.

I will have three kids
and a car
and a house of my own.

I will have money
and acclaim
and travel to Europe
and Africa.

I will be free.
I know I will.
Because
I'm my own man.

I'm not a kid.
I'm not needy or forgetful.
I'm not a simple beast
to be pushed to concede.

I'm not lost;
I'm found.
I'm not forgotten;
I'm undiscovered.
I'm not a clone;
I am me.

I chase my dreams,
And I will accomplish things.

I'm not a kid.
I'm my own man.

I'm not who I used to be.
I have changed.