Stuck in the Middle

I’m not a kid any more.
I’ve grown up,
Lost my braces,
Smiled wider,
I’ve tucked my interests into a neat little binder.
Gone are the days of lengthy one sided conversations about fiction.
No all nighters pulled for comics.
No more disproportionate anime faces.
No longer do I screech in play,
Nor fly off the handle in happiness on a whim.
I’ve bridled my passions,
Bridled my intrigue,
Bridled my joy.
 

It’s true that I’ve grown up.
It’s true that I’ve learned to listen and talk,
Or more
React.
I do not bring up myself.
I do not bring up my interests,
Unless they interest you.

For this I have been praised,
For this applauded.
Is this what it’s like being a adult?
Smiling, nodding, subdued?
Why would I want to live a life like that?
But then again,
Why would I want to stay an annoying, excitable child
Forever?