To my cousin on her 16th

I wanted the first piece I put down here to be something snappy, so I thought i'd put this one in. It's a card I wrote to my cousin Jessica on her 16th Birthday. I figured why buy her one when I can make it.
There are some lines in it which don't work I admit, but writing poetry, unless it comes to me automatically, is hard. The first two bit flowed like water, but you can tell where I struggled. I like it

Never mind...here it is...To Jessica:

You’ve had your ups
You’ve had your downs
But you’ve risen up
By many bounds

No longer is
That girl so young
Who’d follow me with
None stop tongue

Your questions, they did pursue me
“Why this, why that”
And I, still young
Would give you all this tat

You’re a woman now
Mature and grown
With jobs and friends
And much to learn

I’ve watched you develop
I’ve watched you mature
No matter your attitude
I see you demure

Let your life teach you
Let knowledge thrive
You’re still so young
Of heart and mind

You’ll soon be free
Patience gains success
Search for that dream
You’re supported the whole way

© 02/08/04 (F.Grillo)