Tips & Tricks for Levitation

end of the driveway, she’s been waiting for years

year one was full of youth and curiosity

who will you be when you enter the doors? who will you be when you leave?

grounded to the floor, linoleum under cafeteria chairs and desks

up and down stairways, losing locker combinations, finding friends

nervous first exam seasons and celebratory summers

year two was getting into gear, shifting the vehicle of her

the map of life a bit easier to navigate. less mountains, just hills

the destination clearer with an unveiling passion

later nights of study with sleepy eyes and floating dreams

grief of friends transforming to acquaintances

year three was less easy. she would call it grit, sandy between your teeth

decisions to make, life paths to choose, careers to consider

a wary step forward turning into stronger strides, running without lift-off

getting seen, building a name with whispers

year four was her everest

the papers convincing them to take her in, guide, teach, mold her

the payments of every saved penny

the bounce in her step all the way to the mailbox, still empty

still grounded

she’s been waiting for years

here comes the post, the answer

no hesitating in tearing, skimming, tears

lift off achieved