"I hope you understand"

When I was ten
My best friend moved away.
It was hard and I missed her.
Mama told me it was inevitable,
But I didn't care.
All I got for consolation was
"I hope you understand".

When I was thirteen
I had to move away.
It was hard and I missed home.
Mama told me it was inevitable
And that it would help me grow.
All I got for encouragement was
"I hope you understand".

When I was fifteen
I thought I'd found home.
It was new and I struggled adjusting.
Mama told me I had to suck it up,
Stop whining.
All I got for empathy was
"I hope you understand".

When I was eighteen
I thought I knew what I wanted.
It was exciting and I was ecstatic.
Mama told me I was naive.
So I listened to her and Dad.
Unfortunately, all I got as an apology was
"I hope you understand".

When I was nineteen
I started trusting myself a little more.
It was scary and I was alone.
Mama told me I became pompous
But I didn't care.
All I'd got for guidance was
"I hope you understand".

When I turned twenty
I wanted to rule the world.
It was a big dream and I was ambitious.
Mama told me I should calm down
But I didn't listen.
And I told my boyfriend
"I hope you understand".

But now I'm twenty-one
And I'm a little lost.
The world isn't what I thought it would be.
Mama doesn't say much anymore,
But I don't mind.
I now hate the line
"I hope you understand".