Who Knew

Summer comes in my mind,
and I relax with my family,
playing board games
and listening to The Beatles
in our cozy little
living room.
In my mind,
I hang out with friends,
on a beach,
getting tan 
and soaking up whatever long freedom
we have left.
Who knew,
that these things don't always happen.
Who knew, 
that parents work in the summer,
that we lie in bed,
we sit on the couch,
recharging.
Winter comes in my mind,
and I dance The Nutcracker, 
I wake up to darkness on Christmas morning,
with nothing but the tree lights shining  
against our old crocheted carpet.
I smile my way through December,
with a perfect life,
with a perfect day-to-day.
But who knew
that life can never be perfect.
Who knew 
about the homework,
the violin practice,
the drumset,
the dance,
the writing,
the reading,
the every commitment we have to make.
Who knew 
about the grumpy people around you
on your good days.
Who knew 
about the happy people around you
on your worst days.
Who knew
that these people have an impact.
And then, I realize
that I have so much.
I might have much to do,
but I have even more to love.
Who knew
that life might be better 
with some challenge?
With some work?
Who knew 
that it all leads to me being me,
and I am so happy to be able to be that.