I remember
the days of freedom when
the only times I knew
were breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The sun was
the only clock we needed.
I remember
dangerous journeys down the stairs
intrigued by the glow of a screen
that my parents watched,
and confused by the beeps, not yet knowing
the Morse Code of censorship.
I remember
I trusted my friends
because why wouldn’t I?
I was what they were,
and they were what I was.
A kid.
Now I try
to remember clear skied summer days,
but they are clouded with time.
A schedule crams my head,
forcing out times
too simple.
Now I try
to remember the taste of soap
when I hear those
words.
But my tongue is numb
to the words I never heard.
Now I try
To remember all the friends
that are no longer.
Years weigh me down, and I forget
faces, places. The times when I was
A kid.
Grade: 12