Life is changing too fast. 

It feels like college and the next steps loom, 

hanging over my head like a thick black fog.

In two years everything will be different. 

In two years I will be preparing to leave 

the beautiful seaside town that raised me. 

Leaving everything in it to become that of a distant memory. 

Am I really ready to say goodbye to the life I’ve known?

The everyone-knows-everyone mindset of a small town 

is both a blessing and a curse. 

Both community and lack of privacy

are a part of what it means to live here.

Compared to other high schools, 

mine is a miniature one. 

Class sizes less than 200, 

making it impossible to not know your classmates.

These classmates whether friends or enemies 

are all important parts of my story.

When did the eager-eyed children 

become eager and motivated young adults? 

Time has marched on.

We are no longer blowing bubbles in the sandbox.

As of now, we are preoccupied with homework 

and preparing for the school dances.

I am not ready to part ways with 

The lifelong friends I have made.

But I know that we are forever connected,

like Puzzle Pieces, we are a perfect fit.

I am not ready to leave the second family I have found here. 

I will only sing Seasons of Love with our hands intertwined a few more times. 

I only have a couple more chances to spend my nights backstage, eating pizza and doing homework in between scenes. 

I can only imagine the feelings of that final bow 

I am not ready to say goodbye to the corner lunch table,

next to the vent, with the trash can in reach. 

I will miss the missing seats,

but I will miss the memories more. 

I am not prepared for the five-minute meetings to end. 

The quick check-ins with my fellow writers,

talking briefly in 205 before we disperse, 

Stressing to get my article in by Thursday night. 

I will miss the extra help sessions,

asking every question I didn’t during class,

staying way past the final bell,

just to gain clarity for a lesson.

Watching the friends I made as children 

Walk across that stage 

Made me realize that before I know it 

I’ll be the one up there, hoping my name is said correctly

The future is coming way too fast because 

I’m Halfway There…