Years ago,

my youth escaped me

I’ve seen it around

through glimpse of what could be

Years ago,

I became a grown up

started paying bills

became an expert on playing catchup

Years ago,

my childhood was exterminated

by the reality of becoming an adult

unwanted feeling of responsibility permeated

Years ago,

I grew into a woman

leaving behind that little girl

but still see myself as less-than

Years ago,

I lived a completely different life

remembering times come and gone

memories as sharp as a knife