Hard Road Poem by Justin Baird

Back when I was a headstrong teen
I thought that I knew everything
I could build a perfect world
To be a burning star that doesn't die
But the world I knew it told me lies
All the questions yet unfurled

All grown-up at 21
I thought I knew what had to be done
And how the world it must be run
Hedonistic and out for fun
Looked for a friend but I found none
Lonely now at 21

At 29 I was despised
I had barely come alive
And struggled in order to just survive
Good times were now a memory
My body hurts but can you see?
Barely alive at 29

And now there's not much that I need to tell
About this life a raging hell
So let the bells ring out a toll
You have to live your life and strive to excel
There's no more lessons I can sell
I always got back up even if I fell