They say I was always grown-up for my age,
wise far beyond my years,
As soon as I could, I raced right through each stage
ignoring my questions and fears.

And it’s true, I was always grown-up for my age,
capable, confident, strong
As soon as I could, I raced right through each stage
missing each chance to belong

They say I was hungry for life and adventure,
And I had no patience to stay
I believe that it’s true, but I see myself, too,
Running forward and running away

I was thirteen, going on thirty then,
Racing, just to get through
Today I am forty, going on ten,
and all of the world looks new.
Today I am forty, going on ten,
and all of the world looks new.

Today I am young and hopeful and scared
I’m playful, receptive and free
I don’t have to be grown-up, don’t have to be tough,
I just have to learn to be me.
I will see what this time holds for me.

I was thirteen, going on thirty once,
Now I’m forty, going on ten,
I have a chance now to learn all about
all the things I missed out on back then.
I won’t race through it again.

There are days I believe I can care for myself
I am certain I know who I am
But that doesn’t mean that I should or I must
do it all alone, just cause I can

Today I’m a ten year old, longing for love
but tempted to push it aside
I struggle between my desire to be seen
and my longing to just run and hide.
But the struggle is sweet this time, blessed as it is
with wisdom, compassion and care
I don’t want to stay lonely and locked in myself,
Now that I feel I’m welcome to share.

So I’ll linger here as long as I need to
I’ll ask all the questions I once put away
I will cherish the warmth when I feel a blush rising,
grateful that I’m ten today.

I will cherish the glow of the young woman rising
grateful that I’m ten today.

© 2000 Emily Melcher