Only the Beginning

Only the Beginning

In the beginning. There was God. Proud Irish roots. Parents worked hard. Raised us well. Siblings and I. Apple orchid farm. We called home. Life went on. Nothing too exciting. Nothing too dull. Prayers before bed. Church on Sunday.

Likes and hobbies. Bond with brother. Side by side. Experienced it all. I was brother. Brother was me. Had our fun. Schemes and dreams. We rode dirtbikes. We played hockey. I broke nose. Smashed by stick. Mom said, “Enough”. Over the years. I kept scars.

High school years. Started off strong. Made parents proud. Report cards hung. From refrigerator door. Half way through. Followed different crowd. Innocence faded away. Each first time. Each every time. Found new meaning. Happiness through chemicals.

Off to college. Attended Private School. Top liberal arts. Students all alike. Rich, pretty, tan. Starch conservative Republicans. Made me liberal.
First year milestones. Loved it all. Made decent grades. Made facebook account. Social life soared. Dated, drank, dared. Clever and sneaky. Was I ever. Consequences and repercussions. Inexistent- a joke. Luck ran out. Trouble found me. Suspended from school.

Family problems fume. Dad lost job. Family lost house. Brother joined service. I lost brother. I lost me.

Smoked my dreams. Swallowed more failures. Conscience long ignored. Lowered morals integrity. Didn’t apply much. Didn’t expect much.

Snapped into reality. Finally came around. Resumed academic responsibilities. Released my vices. Lessons definitely learned. Life saw changes. Ups and downs. Through it all. Left my mark. Smile upon acceptance. Only the beginning.