Childhood

A sunbeam slices through the sky,

Blinding. I crave it, its warmth,

Crave its light. A break in this, my endless night.

Daylight, golden and calling to me,

Every moment I feel it missing from my life,

Feel the shadows, the loneliness smothering my smile.

Grasping at every shimmering piece of sun,

High on the feeling, knowing it’s already gone.

I miss it, every day. It’s always on my mind,

Just imagining its rays, its glow on my skin,

Knees in the grass, a girl once again.

Lost in the feeling of a brighter time,

Missing the simple things, the frivolity of a child.

Nostalgic, I can picture the glint in my eyes,

Orange sunsets and fair blond hair,

Pink eyeshadow, books, and freckles on noses.

Quaint summers I once had, so full of delight.

Rivers running blue, we were jumping from bridges,

Stupidly happy, craving the future, ever so bright.

Treasure was waiting for me, I was so sure,

Unaware of the challenges I would endure.

Visiting the past makes today seem scarier,

Warm memories from then now shading the future.

X marks the spot where I thought the sun was setting,

Yet here I am, basking in its light, however brief the day,

Zero plans, no idea, but unafraid of the clouds, and of growing.