Seventeen years old

frightened, confused, still alone

I wonder how long

~

when age begins to

speak vulnerability

eyes remain closed

~

recall philosophy

speaks of learning moments

we all begin today

~

once when I knew

who we became on that day

the bark peeled away

~

loose branches trip fall

the weight of our lives sway

within river’s crest

~

I stand alone with

only a memory without why

still seventeen today.