Before you know it, you are one,  
Major baby steps are done.  

Before you know it, you are five, 
Preschool makes you feel alive.  

Before you know it, you are ten, 
Making many schoolhouse friends.  

Before you know it, you're fifteen,  
Growing as fast as a weed.  

Before you know it, childhood's done,  
College studies have begun.  

Before you know it, you're working,  
In a job that brings in green.

Before you know it, your true love,  
Gives your heartstrings a big tug. 

Before you know it, you're married,  
Feeling somewhat less lonely.  

Before you know it, just a trace,  
Of you shows in baby's face.  

Before you know it, more kids come,  Stressful days have just begun. 

Before you know it, your stout face,  
Starts to show some signs of age.  

Before you know it, kids are gone,  
To other things, they've moved on.  

Before you know it, colleagues, friends,  
Wish you luck as your work ends. 

Before you know it, you're at home,  
Planning your next place to roam. 

Before you know it, kids stop by,  
With their own kids, young and spry. 

Before you know it, spouse is gone, 
You were together for so long.  

Before you know it, your life's done,  
Feeling like you'd just begun.  

And sometimes, I'm just questioning,  
Will it all seem like a dream? 

Life is as swift as a day,  
Swiftly floating on its way.  

Before you know it reminds me,  
Value even life's hard things.