As a boy I grew up thriving off of excitement,
Counting the amusing days toward bitter end.
That boy never saw me huddling in crap caked coat,
Calling out to him to stop dreaming! Do homework!

As a teenager I grew up running; lust a carrot before me.
I thought each day a time for friendship, not discipline.
I thought each kiss to be life's purpose and not reprieve.
I though love to be freedom from responsibility. Oh dear.

As a young man I grew up crawling through smoke.
My life was burning down, that's why I was blind.
My blood was boiling that's why I was always angry.
I was falling apart, a thing of ash and charred bones.

As a man I grew up clothed in another lifetime's nightmares.
Watching the lives of others became window shopping.
I used to beg for candy, now for money; born a beggar.
There is no way out of this hole, because I'm the hole.

As an old man I grew up spitting out teeth, shedding.
I shed the nightmares, I shed the misery, even poverty.
I watch myself shedding even insanity; I'm no longer aware.
From this bed I exhale a wasted life, and meet a loving God.

As a spirit I finally grew up, finally glad for a lifetime's lessons.
Listen to those who have grown up, be disciplined and in that free.
Only in working for all that you are worth will poverty lessen.
Shirk your teachers? Hate your parents? You'll be just like me.