Unfulfilled Expectations (A Poem)

 

It’s no wonder people spend hours, even days,

Wishing they were still kids.

Back when doing homework was the only real worry,

And there were people to lend a hand with everything they did.

I’m not going to say adulthood completely sucks,

Because I’m sure that’s an exaggeration.

I’m just saying, when it comes to being grown up,

There are plenty of unfilled expectations.

“Being an adult will be fun,” they said.

“Think of all the things you can do without asking permission.”

They forgot to mention many of those permissible things

Also lack any real inspiration.

Partying is cut short because of a long day at work.

A hot romance quickly cools because of the stress of bills.

I used to be as healthy as horse.

Now a slight chill has me under a blanket feeling a bit ill.

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay 

A “fun” night consists of being on the couch

Looking for something on TV that isn’t a rerun.

And, as soon as my eyes start to close a few minutes later,

Even that plan quickly becomes undone.

I apparently missed the memo about hurting all the time.

I probably could live with the discomfort in my back and knees,

If I didn’t feel like I needed a trip to the ER

Every time I have a hard sneeze.

I can’t remember the last time I didn’t feel like a sailor lost at sea,

Or a train conductor about to drive off a track.

I’m pretty sure there’s another analogy in there,

That I’ll remember when the senior moment passes, and I get my memory back.

Look, I’m not saying it’s all that bad,

Even though, instead of going to work, I’d rather be home watching cartoons.

After all, it’s not as though I have to worry

About someone trying to send me to my room.

I just wish someone would have given a better warning,

Allowing me to enter adulthood a little more ready.

Had I known to enjoy being a kid while I had a chance,

Perhaps the burden of being grown up wouldn’t be so heavy.

Maybe I could have read one of those “what to expect” books,

And enjoyed one last summer vacation,

Before entering a world

That has brought so many unfulfilled expectations.