Each time I climbed the stairs, my heart grew heavier and heavier

My feet felt like giant lumps of lead trying to support my body

My hands shook with the very idea of where I was headed

I clutched the railings and prayed I would not fall

The stairway was long and tiring to climb; I felt so very weak

I had no food for the soul that day; perspiration dotted my brow

The heavy burden filled my chest and I could not speak

Who would have thought excelling would lead to a misdemeanor

I felt like collapsing right there and then

My stomach was churning and pounding my head

I wasn't sure if I could make it the rest of the way

So I closed my eyes and made myself say

"I can do anything if I just believe

Nothing can stop me, no matter how big

If I have faith in myself and all that I do

If I just believe, I can make it through"

A smile shone on my face; my heart grew lighter

The dimness disappeared; the stairway grew brighter

And with each new step I began to grow stronger

For maturity is not a task, but simply a new beginning