Coming of Age

Seventeen, feel like I’m caught in the freeze

Childhood slippin’ through the holes in my jeans

Dreams got older, nights got colder

Used to think the world would wait, now it leans on my shoulder

 

Momma still callin’ me “baby,” but I see the fear

In her eyes when she knows that my future's near

Can't pause time, so I etch these days

In the corners of notebooks, lost in a daze

 

Memories flicker in the back of my mind

Like a film with the reels torn outta line

Used to wanna grow up, now I’m scared that I did

Life don’t hit gentle when you ain’t a kid

 

Bills, fake friends, fake love, real stress

Thought the world made sense — now I second guess

I’m caught in between, with my foot on both sides

One in the past, one runnin’ from time

 

Heart in a hoodie, eyes in the sky

Ask me how I’m doin’? I’ll probably lie

But I’m learnin’ it’s fine to not know your lane

Even rain grows roses when it learns the pain

 

Coming of age ain’t a moment, it’s a war

Every breath is a battle you ain’t asked for

I’ve been changin’, even if they can’t tell

Breakin' out my shell, still scared as hell

 

I don’t need a crown, I need peace in my mind

If I get lost, I hope I find me in time

They say you’re grown when you pay your dues

But I’ve paid in nights and the sleep I lose

 

I ain't done, just begun, on the edge of the flame

Name ain't carved yet, but I’m claimin’ my name

If youth is a poem, then I’m writin’ the last page

Turnin’ doubt into fire — that’s comin’ of age