In My Own Time
When our class is taking tests,
I always finish last.
And when we run the mile,
how do they run so fast?
When it’s someone’s birthday,
I’m last one to the party.
And when I get to school,
my teacher trumpets TARDY!
When will I ever be on time,
why am I always late?
When will I ever fall in line,
when will I get things straight?
I wonder when I fell behind.
Was I born overdue?
And how can I catch up
when the pack is out of view?
Mom says we all are different
and my slower pace is great.
In no time I’ll do wonders,
the world just has to wait.
I always finish last.
And when we run the mile,
how do they run so fast?
When it’s someone’s birthday,
I’m last one to the party.
And when I get to school,
my teacher trumpets TARDY!
When will I ever be on time,
why am I always late?
When will I ever fall in line,
when will I get things straight?
I wonder when I fell behind.
Was I born overdue?
And how can I catch up
when the pack is out of view?
Mom says we all are different
and my slower pace is great.
In no time I’ll do wonders,
the world just has to wait.
This poem is copyright (©) Stefan Karlsson 2026
About the Writer
Stefan Karlsson
Stefan is a poet and artist based in Portland, Oregon. He received his MFA in Poetry from the University of California-Irvine. His poems (for children) have appeared in The Dirigible Balloon, Paddler Press, Little Thoughts Press, and Tyger Tyger Magazine. His paper marbling artwork can be found on Instagram @nautiluspaper, and his poetry for kids can be found on Twitter @stefkidlit and on YouTube @StefanKidsPoetry.
