I was once

I was once this person small

who when asked could not speak to all

One day I planted a tree to grow

and unlocked some interesting people to know

I was once a youth so shy

It took a teacher passing by

To have faith and introduce me

to be open to what I see

I was once a teenager fair

who lived life without a care

I spent some time feeling invincible

only one to raise a hand at the table

I was once in my twenties and above

I was one to throw my heart away to love

My heart returned broken

My dreams vanished unspoken

I was once in my thirties far away

I traveled to experience an Irish day

I sung and climbed stone walls

My barriers had begun to fall

I was once in love again

I married him who kept me sane

He and I had little ones

Now they rule my days are done

I was once a wife and mother

Sister, daughter, and then another

Sometimes my own worst enemy

I was once and always Me.