the early years

i used to be in a hurry,

i'd go

through the drive-thru

for fast food,

i wanted instant mashed potatoes,

minute rice,

i couldn't wait

for the third date,

for the ice to melt,

for class to end,

for summer to arrive.

water took forever

to boil.

i had the pedal to the floor

in the fast lane,

impatient

with the red light.

days rolled so quickly

into night.