Most of us think of growing up
As if something is going away;
As if something in us is breaking up
And falling apart in one sway.
Most of us think of growing up
As of dying of leaves on a tree;
As of a door, that is closing up
Right behind as we walk in a dream.
Most of us think of growing up
As of darkness beneath the haze;
As we step out, we are just to stop up
And stand, looking round in a daze.
But when you’re thinking about growing up,
Remember: what’s going away
Is not really about to break up –
It’s just one step of the way.
When you are thinking about growing up,
Remember the leaves that grow on a tree:
When dying, you know, they are just up
To turn into fruit on this very tree.
When you are thinking about growing up,
Be sure to step out of the haze:
As soon as you do, you’ll see light coming up –
The Life in its glorious blaze.
And when you’re thinking about growing up,
Of the Child you’d better remember;
The Child we are careful not to lock up –
He is smiling to us from his chamber.