Beginnings and Begunnings

Kicking, Screaming, Smiling.

I take the first breath of air and for a brief moment

I am the youngest person to exist.

Kicking, Screaming, Whining.

I'm left alone for the first time and for a brief moment

I am lost—my parents are missed.

Laughing, Falling, Bouncing.

I take my first steps and for a brief moment

I am on top of the world.

Laughing, Falling, Pronouncing.

I stutter out my first word and for a brief moment

I find meaning unfurls.

The first time we get lost, the first time we are found,

The first time we sneak in trying not to make a sound.

That first game you played,

That first friend you made,

All these memories that have stayed.

Like developing pictures, just inside your head,

Watching replays of things you shouldn't have said,

Or wished you had got the courage to stand instead.

So many firsts an unequal amount of lasts.

So many legacies that will be defined by our pasts.