Almost But Not Quite

One sidewalk skating day
One pigtail swishing day
One bus riding to kindergarten day
I was almost but not quite
Old enough to walk to school.

One orange grove walk to school day
One sneaky junior hi makeup day
One mini skirt wearing day
I was almost but not quite
Ready to be myself.

One silver sky plane ride away
One brave hopeful heart in play
One step for me, independence day
I almost but not quite
Understood the world.

Now is the middle of the story
Where a compass indicates true North
And a protagonist could choose a way.
I am almost but not quite
Everything I wanted to be.

Let’s go skate some sidewalks.

Lynette Hensley
2020