Who Am I? Poem by Martin Greyford

I am not a child
Even though sometimes,
I behave like a child,
I demand like a child,
I get upset like a child,
You treat me like a child.
You say: 'I mustn't do this or that
I am not ready yet.
I shouldn't pretend.'
Sometimes I wish
You would just leave me alone.


I am not an adult
Even though I wish to be
It is my decision, my goal
To be free, to be independent
To do things
To live my life
As only I can live it
To be someone.


I am a boy
With the body of a man
With feelings I don't understand
With hopes unfulfilled
Sometimes taking steps
For which I am not ready
Suffering the pain of falling and rising again
Hungry for friendship
Hungry for acceptance.


Longing to be told; 'Well done, you are worthwhile.'
I am a learner on life's journey
Heading for a future unknown
Needing guidance to reach there.