I remember being 12

I remember being 12 

going to the movies with friends 

the purity of not knowing 

the simplicity of worrying about 

what others thought of me. 

I remember being 16 

going to the movies with my first boyfriend 

the purity of a first kiss 

the simplicity of worrying about 

school work and what others thought of me.

I remember being 18

going to the movies with my boyfriend and friends 

the purity of wanting purity 

the simplicity of worrying about 

School work, college applications,

and what others thought of me. 

I am now 21 

I realized I was an adult 

when I no longer felt the purity 

when I no longer felt the simplicity 

but, I felt the independence and confidence grow 

like a thick cacoon developing around me 

I can use it now as a a shield 

to no longer worry about

what others thought of me.