If you only could look through my darkened eyes and grieved smile

my somber looks and wicked glares

you’d find a girl that’s not so complex, knotted and perplexed.

Hidden by locks of brown and gold to shy to show her face

scared that everyone will turn away just like before.

And yet,

even though shaken at the thought of walking through this big brown building filled with people all on their own missions,

they still hold out their hand to welcome me into their world.

Yes, I may have scars

some unintentional,

others not so accidental.

And yes,

I may not be perfect carrying baggage and troubles, worries and fears,

but that is overlooked by the people who are so called my friends.

Even in their own battered heart they still have room for me.

So in between these rusty lockers and sharpie covered walls,

holds every teenage story in this quaint little town.

And yet,

I’m not ready to step into the big wide world so soon.

I still need to learn how to raise my voice and let my opinions be heard.

Grasp the idea of love and forever even if it breaks my heart.

Master the concept of trust and truth,

and understand who is real and who is fake.

But I guess why this is called “growing pains”.