I once was a kid
but now i am a teen
i used to love to laugh
and now i hardly smile

i once was a fighter
but now i am a lover
i will turn away a fight
unless you attack my heart

i once was a pup
but now i am a wolf
as i work to build my mind
i also work to build my strength

i once was a firey blaze
but now i am a cooling ember
i used to burn with hate
but now i burn with love

i once was an artist
but now i am a poet
i used to draw how i felt
but now i write how i feel

Chris Clingman

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-once-was/