My collection of poems and riddles

When will I Grow Up

I found myself in the company of another

And oh! He seemed so gentle and wise.

He held me by the arm, guiding me, showing me

The world and what was in it

And I was inquisitive, so I asked him:

"Why do so many people steal from one another?

Why do they lie? Why do they deceive?

Don't they know that it is wrong?"

A shadow veiled his eyes and he spoke to me, saying,

"You are too young. You are too small.

When you grow up, you shall understand."

Then, I asked again:

"How can so many people be happy?

Aren't there so many people suffering around them?

They bear the weight on their shoulders, but only just.

They are crying for help, shouldn't we rush?"

Again he said,

"You are too young. You are too small.

When you grow up, you will understand."

But I had more questions, so I asked again,

"Why do people hurt each other, cause them difficulties

When they know it makes them cry.

Is there some meaning, a truth that I have not yet learnt?"

Again he hid from me and said,

"You are too young. You are too small.

When you grow up, you will understand."

Then finally we stopped,

For this was the end of our path together.

And I had grown so strong and tall

That by stature of body I towered over him.

I had hair on my face, my voice had grown deep,

But I had one last question to ask:

"Tell me sir, and tell me true:

Will I learn of all the things I couldn't understand?

Will I help change what I have seen?

Will I be a part of it?

Have I grown up?"

For the first time in a long time, he looked me in the eye

And said, "I think you understand."

Leaving me knowing all about the world

And nothing about it.