Autobiography in free verse

First: I was born, not too long ago
according to some - I think it was. So long
that I can't even remember.

I grew up, bit
by bit
but unfortunately not far up, only about
five feet. But that comes later.

When I was 12 we moved
to Finland
which is far.
far.
away.
from all my friends
from my school
from my home
from my world.

That summer
I learned Swedish
because Swedish is Finland's second national language which is kind of complicated and would make this poem a lot longer so I won't discuss it here
and in the fall I started in a Swedish school.
I smiled
and nodded
and pretended to understand
and most generally felt uncomfortable.

Kids learn quickly
and grow up quickly
and so did I.

I turned 17 and started taking
driving lessons
- wow:
I'm getting grown up -
and found out it wasn't nearly as easy
as it looked. I stunk. But I passed my test
on only the third try:
Freedom! Now if only
I had a car...

My last year of high school I got
a boyfriend - really wasn't part of my plan
it just happened. I don't mind though:
I like him.

And this is really
as far as I've gotten
in my life. What comes next is
yet to be seen.


**Note**

1) In Finland you can get your driver's license when you turn 18
2) As children start school at the age of 7, you are 18 in the last year of high school