The Six Stages.

The world is a step by step plan.
And there is an infinity of steps along the way.
For a high school student, there are six stages.
The Freshman, full of unfamiliarity and hesitancy,
eager to prove their worth in a mysterious turf.
Sophomores, radiant, lively, adventurous.
Reckless in a way, living life on edge.
Next the Juniors, prepared and armed,
ready to go through another alien place,
full of expectations and the cold, harsh reality.
Seniors, full of dreams and plans in life,
thinking about what would happen on the other side.
Eleventh Grade, tried and tested,
eager to end the six step plan.
Twelve Grade, mature and ready,
yearning to experience it all again.
Scared to go through those doors,
and never look back again.

-aacs