John Harms
ENG 294
Fall 1998

Independence

It all started at the age of four

when I tried to cut my own hair.

I found my mother's small scissors,

faced her dresser vanity, a large mirror,

and took a shot at independence.

A few snips later, a few pieces of hair gone,

I stepped back

and found that my attempt wasn't very good.

At least, not just yet.

Add a few years to my life,

about eleven or twelve,

and I find myself in high school.

What I once called "big kids" school

is now the school I attend.

Moving from class to class,

a little more independent.

Now I am almost on my own.

No more staying in school all day,

no more being required to eat lunch there,

as we all go out and get something better.

The independence that I feel gets even better.

I learn the one thing that gives me a lot,

how to drive a car.

Once I had my own car,

I was driving anywhere I wanted,

at almost anytime I desired.

At such a young age,

the feeling of independence took a jump up

as I moved on to college life.

Staying up as late as I want,

going out whenever I pleased,

I feel the independence growing stronger.

Now it keeps going strong.

Now I am on my own,

almost.