Youth Behind Us

Once I thought monsters did lurk under my bed and in my closet,

Once I thought that if I missed behaved it would grab me,

Once I thought that my best friend would be my bestie forever,

Once I thought that pretty dresses and lady bugs were all that hope was,

Once I thought that the world was no bigger than the yard out back,

Once I thought that the world was not cruel,

That it was a safe place,

One with kind people everywhere,

Once I was rude,

Thinking that it wouldn't be hurtful,

Wouldn't destroy us all.

Once I was young,

And,

Once I was no one else.