----

And we tumble down like Jack and Jill,

and I miss all of the joy you kill,

but I love you still: be my thrill.

Out in the harbor;

the ships roll in,
it's Christmastime.
The kids all holler;

carols cross the water,

stars that shine.

All that I want.

I'm not ready yet.

I've spent nearly eighteen years of my life doing absolutely nothing. Suddenly, out of the blue, everything's happening too fast. How come no one has told me that I should have been preparing for this all along?

With adulthood comes great responsibility. For the first time, I am a working girl, in an official job. I earn a salary; I hold a committment to my workplace. Why did it take me so long to get here?

Junior year has turned to seniority in the blink of an eye. College is too close for comfort; I'm not ready yet. I still have to take tests, write essays, earn financial aid; I have to be good enough for someplace to want me. Why would any college want to have me there?

The rest of my life is looming over me like the largest thundercloud of a summer storm. I love writing, photography, and acting, but as hobbies, not as monthly incomes. How am I going to be able to find a career?

I'm just not ready for all this yet.