All That I Had

When I was young not much more than a lad
I never appreciated all that I had.
My parents always seemed to live in the past
But when I turn eighteen I’d be free at last.
—-
I wanted to leave now but I was no fool
I needed an education, I needed school.
The military came to give some of us a test
I decided to try, I’m ready to leave the nest.
—-
While taking the test I was so unsure
I’d never take a test so difficult before.
I thought I had passed it and I did, of course
That’s how I got in the United States Air Force.
—-
Now that I’m older I look back on those days.
I can see how parents get set in their ways.
I’m now over fifty and I think it’s sad
That I never appreciated all that I had.