For many,
the first skims the cream off naivety
perhaps too swiftly.
It's frantic.
Filled with awkward urgency
to reach a milestone.
So it goes
For-evermore.
Hardly a chance to savour its parting
Too green to fathom the sway of regret.

The second spars for individuality.
Experimentation, Development
experience.
Other boxes ticked.
Lessons learned.
Rawness verses prowess
'till one bows out exhausted
and the other learns,
eventually,
how to recover
and strengthen.

Hardened,
the third treads carefully.
Logic and wisdom
balancing with basic needs.
It is more selfish
and yet, more generous.
A slow exposure.
Relaxed standards
yet, heightened self-respect.
Honesty and acceptance.
A comfortable settlement of equality.
If it does or does not last
it will be the last
either way
for many.