This Tall To Ride

"You must be this tall to ride."

I stand on my toes, stretching to the the sky

Beneath the shadow of the stand I reside

Just a foot away, a tad too shy

I walk up to the stand, proud and ready

Finally tall enough, finally high enough

I stand with my back turned, strong and steady

With my new foot and a half, It isn't tough

I walk past that old stand again knowing I pass

I take my seat and ride again, bracing for the drops

I still yell and flail and squirm quite crass

I find happiness in all the twists, bumps, and hops

I stop to stare at the sign so low down

Gaze at the guard who kept me away so long ago

With my new height, new home, new town

I step into the cart as the coaster starts to tow

I know every twist, every bump, every hop

No screams or squirms or worry or fear

I barely even need to brace for the biggest drop

I swear all that time only feels like a year

As I ride past the park with that dastardly sign

Realizing it's been quite some time since I tested my height

Tears well in my eyes, a bittersweet salty brine

The passing of every inch, every ride, every daylight

I wonder where the time went, what happened

I miss looking up, wondering when I'd grow so tall

I worry sometimes, I fear when it will end

When I grow my last inch, and scream down my last fall

I sit for some time and ponder my height

Searching for taller shadows in which to hide

It honestly does give me quite a fright

Knowing I'm forever tall enough to ride