Kindergarten
The day your mother shed a tear as she dropped you off at school,
Seeing your tiny body struggling with the weight of the large backpack, 
But you still thought you looked super cool.

First grade
The year you learned to read books
That weren’t just filled with scribbles on a page.
When you weren’t concerned about your looks.

Second grade
The year you learned the world was big.
When you were past being asked,
“What sound is made by a pig?”

Third grade
The year you learned numbers like “three-thousand nine-hundred eight!”
Multiplication and division,
You were still doing great.

Fourth grade
The year you won your first spelling bee,
Because that kid before you forgot
“i before e, except after c.”

Fifth grade
The year you learned about the Sun, the Moon and the stars.
When you began to ask yourself,
“When will I be able to drive cars?”

Sixth grade

The year it was time for middle school.
The first time you thought to yourself,
“Hm, maybe I’m not that cool.”

Seventh grade
The year you felt as if you were placed in a cage,
Having to explain to your parents,
“Mom, it’s not just a phase.”

Eighth grade
The year you got in your first fight.
When your parents found out,
You got grounded for the night.

Ninth grade
The year it was time for high school.
When all the upperclassmen looked at you like
You were a fool. 

Tenth grade
The year you learned who your real friends were,
But to be honest,
The rest of that year was just a blur.

Eleventh grade
The year your relationship was just off the hook, 
But when it ended, your friends said to you,
“C’mon, let’s watch The Notebook.”

Twelfth grade
The year you thought would never come,
But if you blink once,
Then it’s already done.