What will you do
Now that you are turning twenty-two?
Sit and wait for good news to come to you?
You can’t change your past even if you try
Or no matter how hard you cry
The past is gone
It is time to move on
I could give you many a platitude
To try to change your attitude
But you don’t have to wait
To change your life in 08
The news is surprising
There is new dawn is a-rising
It is up to you to decide
If you want your talents misapplied
Only you can throw your life away
And let it fall into decay
The rest of your life, will you let others steal?
Or will you use your poems to help you heal?
So from now on it is up to you
Now that you are turning twenty-two

Nancy Chambers

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/birthday-poem-for-granddaughter-jen/