Bildungsroman

When building Rome you must do as all Bildungsromans do
When growing old you must do what all of the aging do
With each passing day I find that I am more like my pop
Getting flatter with the hours that will never stop
These things take time but time takes away
Everything that I can ever know about today

Is this an act, a dramatic coming-of-age?
In my own eyes, do I belong in center stage?

I've not rehearsed, no I know not who I am to be
But I'm billed first; my name is up on the grand marquee
No one tells you when you are the protagonist
Maybe this was in the notes for that one class I missed
They could have sent a letter, a fax, or a telegram
Anything at all that let me know who I am

I need a friend to help me withstand the tide
You in? You ready to saddle and ride?

If you care for me tell me, then, what I'm doing wrong
Let me know when my rambling words stretch too far along
Trust that I will take it well and seek to change my ways
For I often find wisdom in the points you raise
The world will see a he and she and assume they are a thing
But I seek a partnership and not a short-term fling

Lookie-Lous would much prefer it if we kissed
But I'm fine with you as my deuteragonist