The Advantages of Being Young

How was I to know at four
That time was unfairly strict?
That my sister, born just years before
Was master in age, and I unfit
To overtake her some glad day,
When finally, I could pause a while,
And yell back over my shoulder to say,
"I got here first!" And with half a smile,
Dash on through the years of doors
Until I'd find in shocked dismay,
That now, instead of sweeping floors,
I must wash the dishes each day.