Seven

When I was 7 Mama pulled me aside I say “Yes Mama” She started, “My baby,” Which I no longer was “How would you feel if..” My world had ended “Your Dad and I separated” The word “Separate” Meant something different in my vocabulary It didn’t mean the end of my childhood. “If it makes you happy” I responded. I didn’t care about boys or toys All I cared about was How to make mommy stop crying. Something broke that day The spirit of a child The Light inside my eyes Nights filled with Laughter Turned into tears Once Joyous holidays turned into endless bickering “Who gets the kids for Christmas? For New Years? Thanksgiving?” Nights filled with wonder Turned into wondering why? Why I don’t remember happy memories? Why I don’t fit in with the other kids? Why did I had to give up my childhood at the age of 7? I was stuck Stuck in the middle I was the messenger Protector of reality to my brother and sister I was everything, but a Kid. At the age of 8 I learned about Life I learned that love is a choice I learned not to judge Not to assume Not to hold a grudge I learned that life happens and that you just have to keep moving I grew up And that’s okay.