We don’t have a choice in whether we grow old, but we certainly can choose whether we grow up. Learning to be mature and to appreciate life from different perspectives is not just about experience, but also a willingness to make hard decisions where necessary and to accept responsibility for the things we do, even in the face of bad consequences.  Our first impulse is not always the most ideal response to the given situation and while we may be able to get away with being impetuous and brash as a youth, the line must be drawn at some point. While certainly every choice is ours and ours alone to make, it comes down to how we would rather be remembered. As a person who stands for nothing and only looks after themselves, or a person who could always be counted upon by others when the going gets tough. Who do you wish to be?

Maturity
We all grow older by the day,
but do we grow more wise?
And have we learned from the mistakes,
in our attempts and tries.

Or have we chosen just to age,
but not become mature,
a state of wanton ignorance,
for which, there is no cure.

With every passing day we are,
presented with a choice,
to either take the easy path,
or heed the inner voice.

To do the things that must be done,
and face the tests head on,
to seize the chances that life brings,
before they all are gone.

But naturally we will succumb,
to laziness and greed,
no resolution left intact,
unfaithful to our creed.

“Efficiency”, “convenience”,
we use to justify,
the corners that we choose to cut,
or why we failed to try.

But is it truly all that hard,
to go an extra mile,
to prove to ourselves that we won’t,
back down from any trial.

And do the things we know are right,
no matter if it’s tough,
and to endeavour through the pain,
not simply say, “Enough”.

For that is when we will become,
someone who others can,
depend upon to lead and help,
a person with a plan.

Forsake the follies of our youth,
and duties, we embrace,
it’s then we’ll know that on this earth,
we’ve truly earned our place.