Change should be Easier by Now

Last day of class today. Ever ever. 

I tried to hum along with radio, as I drove out of the 

parking lot, so I could pretend like my throat didn't ache. 

Tapped underneath my eyes,

to remind the tears they were not welcome. 

Because I'm grown up, and change should be easier by now. 

Instead I find good-bye's still taste as sharply bittersweet 

as they ever did,

and memories cling to my heels with urgent hands. 

I'm anticipating the coming adventure,

but thankful, so thankful, for lessons learned here.