Ever Since I Can Remember

Ever since I can remember

I always feared September.

Not the month itself

But rather what the school year would render.

Vision therapy in third grade to make reading easier.

Yet still not the fix.

Finally in eighth grade

ADD was thrown into the mix.

ADD gave me an explanation

But not the path to success.

I would not let it be my crutch

So good grades were not in excess.

Finding the balance

Took some time.

It was my athletics

That made my life chime.

Freshman year was the worst

Sophomore year slightly better.

By Junior year I started to soar.

Senior year hopes for a big letter.

But through it all

I realized a pattern.

It was what took place after school

That determined what mattered.

Varsity swimming in the fall.

Varsity ice hockey come winter.

Warm weather brought equestrian events

And helped school become a winner.

Whether finishing a set

Or blocking a shot

Or jumping an oxer

School is still fraught.

But they gave me a release

And time management they taught.

To apply, to focus, to try and succeed

All from a diagnosis, it wasn’t for naught.