Declaration of Independence- Age 13

Kate had an assignment for school.

They were discussing something,

like emancipation or the Declaration of Independence

or something historical (lol)

and the kids had to write

a document declaring their independence from their families.

This is what Kate wrote:

As now I have entered the life and joys of adulthood

I must though it pains me

declare independence to better myself.

No further burdening you

I will be a burden or a joy unto myself.

As the river splits going down different paths

they carry each other,

still lifting the other up.

I can only cast my prayers to our God

that our bonds as child and parent

will not fail as some do.

May our God protect us through our new chapter in life

and the bitter goodbye that starts it.

Your standards have pulled me

beyond what others could hope to attain.

The values will forever remain instilled in me,

for they were pushed in to my mind and heart.

I have learned to give everything your all

no matter what the case may be.

On the other hand I have learned not to lose yourself

in the things you do as you grow.

May the standards and values follow and be my guide

as I travel on my quest of faith and life.

As has been made clear to you time and time again,

I work and play responsibly.

Have I not always done my work and gotten good grades?

Have I not earned an income from age thirteen?

As I do chores and balance school along with being a young girl,

I show my ability to handle all things thrown at me.

Has the chance of independence not been thrown towards me,

should I not reach and grab it?

Should I turn my back on all that I have learned 

from myself and from you?

No, I should grab it head on.

As I break the bonds of rules that have tied me down,

I break away from my sheltered life.

I now get the rules and privileges denied to the age of young.

I now receive the jury should I be in trouble,

a vote should I use it

and a life should I call it my own.

All the new doors are appearing

the rules locking them vanished now.

Now I am free to walk through the door I chose.

Fear not, though, the rules for life are still intact and guiding.

My resolution to the doors closing and leaving me

is the become an independent citizen of the fullest life.

May hope kindle in your heart and  mind,

may we live to the fullest yet know when to come home.

We will forever be the rivers lifting the others up

but to do so we must first be of our own free will.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.