growing pains

the growing pains won't disappear,

because we stopped growing. 

they aren't going to end,

just because we aren't forced,

to eat broccoli anymore,

or smushed peas out of a can. 

the growing pains won't disappear, 

because we survived middle school puberty,

or that awkward coming-of-age torment. 

in fact, they're still very present,

at sixteen, seventeen, eighteen,

only packaged in ways of friendships and failures.

the growing pains won't disappear, 

when we're about to graduate high school, 

and go off into the real world. 

instead they're presented,

in the million-dollar question: 

"what are your plans after high school?"

the growing pains won't disappear, 

at nineteen, twenty, twenty-one. 

but its how we decide to deal with them,

that molds our minds,

and opens our eyes, 

for the years that come.

the growing pains won't disappear, 

even though you've been five two for four years,

in fact they probably won't ever go, 

because with no pain comes no prosperity.

brittle bones don't have to call for brittle spirits.