Skinned Knees

Days drag out like years, forever and no time all at once 

Becoming five foot six instead of four foot eight

Red hair almost as long as the days felt, cascading onto itself

Skinned knees still bled but didn't burn as much

Mother there, but the ache for her tender embrace fell short

Independent 

Eyes opening to reality, true colors revealed. 

How badly I want a skinned knee to be the worst thing in the world