I was going to write that I really loved the first verse but then there isn't really a weak verse among them. Some very clever ideas bloom throughout, another bouquet!

Creative. Nice word choice and use of metaphors. What a unique way to tell a story about someone growing up.

Nitpick: I think you meant "inkling," not "inking." I could be wrong, though.

I really liked this poem. Ironically, it is not flowery as many other contest winners, with exquisite and unusual diction, but rather very lucid and smoothly worded. I loved the way you ended some of your stanzas-- "make that second hand/slowly breathe," "it's not always about the weather", "maybe mid-bloom" -- it all creates that really distinct feel that I love to try to create in my own work and which I love to find in others'. You deserve the contest win!