Published May 15th, 2025
South Africa Poetry Contest #1 – First Place
by Emma Ferreira
I remember being a five-year-old girl,
A small being with pigtails and no front teeth.
Hoping and wishing every day to be older,
With a cool car and a fancy house.
Maybe a husband and a son and a pet dog named, Buddy.
As children all we want to do is grow up,
Become a teacher or astronaut or princess.
As time seems slow but then quickly moves on, that's exactly what we do.
Five turns to 10, 10 to 15, and suddenly we're 22 years old.
Our wish came true.
But a silent night makes us realize what that wish cost.
Mom and Dad are growing as well.
Growing old.
Grandma and Grandpa too.
Wrinkles become visible and forgetfullness appears too.
And you realize while being young, they were too.
Playing in the garden turns to helping them up the stairs.
Storytime fades away with their sight,
And listening to old music becomes a memory.
As you sit on the couch next to them,
All you want is a time machine,
To go back to when you touched the sky on their shoulders,
And baked cookies with them on Sundays.
We realise to not take time for granted.
All we have is right now.
About the Poet
Emma Ferreira resides in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
Read the poet's biography on Emma Ferreira's Artist Page.
This poem is also featured in Wax Poetry and Art Magazine #7,
published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
Previously published in South Africa Poetry Magazine:
A Letter to My Father
by Thato Mokgofa
South Africa Poetry Magazine is part of the Wax Poetry and Art Network.
- Visit the main Wax Poetry and Art Submissions Page to see all opportunities.
- Visit the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
- This website and all contents ©Kirk Ramdath and specified artists.
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