Sandwiched between innocent fingers

Are wrinkled dollar bills

And the cashier’s eyes linger

On my own.

Grown up in an instant

Only twelve, but

Childhood distant

As I walk home from the grocery store

Alone.

Up rusty steps, inside --

The responsibility of youth

Glorified.

Small hands make

Small meals for three.

When you care for your caretaker,

You are never carefree.