On My 17th Birthday

I'm growing up too fast,
Surely it cannot be
I've turned seventeen at last.
It's frightening to me
That I've lost so much time
In those strange, dark corridors
Some call a mind.
I remember, as a child,
I played I was grown-up,
But the games were so mild
Compared to the full cup
I now receive each day.
I wish I'd listened then
To what my mother used to say,
You'll grow old
And wish to be young again,
But I was bold,
And could not imagine a time
When I would want to be small.
But now, once again,
We are past the fall,
And winter is coming fast,
And the day of my birth
Has once more passed
As a day of sorrow and mirth.
I'm happy with what I once wished,
A boy all mine,
(Who gave me a special birthday kiss),
Who I care for a great deal,
But to get here,
Many years life had to steal.
Years of joy and peace,
Playing with dolls
And cooking feasts
For the noblemen in my halls.
Years of laughter,
Prince Charming,
And, of course, "happily ever after."
Years of crushes,
Giggles and fun,
Oh, how they rushed!
I feel I've just begun!
I'm still a child
Within my heart,
Yet I am wild
And goofy...
Almost grown-up,
And yet still me,
Still playing dress-up.
I fear I may never truly grow...
But that's alright by me!
God made me so!