A poem by Heidi Dischler.

You walk through the doors

Shorter than four-four,

Lunch bag in hand,

Hearing teachers’ commands.

You go through the years

Growing into your ears,

Comfortable young.

You’ve just begun.

You will leave soon,

Dreaming of flights to the moon,

Going to high school 

Feeling like a fool.

This place has been your home,

You feel so alone.

You’re on a roller coaster.

It’s all over.

You’re older now

Hoping to leave this town.

High school is boring.

Your time is soaring.

Graduation comes.

You’re ready for the fun

Freedom will bring.

You’re so happy you could sing.

You walk on stage,

Free from your cage,

But you’re hoping for disclosure.

It’s all over.

College is hard.

You have a job tending bars.

There’s tuition to pay,

But it’s the end of the day.

You wonder about a major.

Something with money, you wager.

But there’s more to it,

You have to simply do it.

You’ve grown up fast,

Not looking at the past.

You’re done with your classes.

You have all your passes.

What do you do next?

It’s not as simple as a hex.

You take your lucky clover.

It’s all over.

You have a house and children now,

Your bills are piling up somehow.

Watching the kids from afar,

You wonder how you’ll keep the car.

Your eldest is about to graduate.

You cry because it’s too late

To hold your baby anymore.

He’s gone now, out the door.

One by one they all leave.

You hope you’ll get a reprieve.

You try hard to stay sober,

It’s all over.

You’re old and weak,

Feeling very meek

In a nursing home

With nowhere for you to roam.

They feed you,

Dress you,

Treat you with care,

But all you want is your children to be there.

You shiver now, your blinds are low.

You know it is your time to go.

You breathe deep

And feel your heart leap.

Closing your eyes,

You say silent goodbyes.

Your breathing becomes slower.

It’s all over.