“Growing Up” Poem of the Day (2022)

“Growing Up”

By Ashley O’Hare

You’re signing legal documents

with crayon.

You’re drinking beer

through bendy straws

and sippy cups.

You’re growing older

without growing up.

I didn’t get the memo

that leaving childhood

was optional;

that we can take

scooters to work

instead of driving on the high road

for others’ sake.

Maybe it’s time

I go over my contract.

Maybe it is not a crime

to eat sugary cereals

with cartoons on the weekend.

Maybe the rules can bend.