But Then I Got Older

When I was little

I watched the clouds

I could see lions and butterflies

I wanted to be saved by a prince

I loved sparkles and glitter

They were bright and exciting

Just like me

But then I got older

Sparkles and glitter seemed too bright 

Especially when life seemed so dull

I stopped looking at the clouds

I mean who has the time?

I needed to look at calories instead

And I began to wonder

If my prince would ever come

But then I got older

Sparkles and glitter still seemed too bright

But not because life was dull

But because pastels were quiet and soft

But still vibrant and colorful

Just like me

I didn’t look at the clouds as much

I was using my imagination

For colleges and careers

I still liked the idea of a prince

But I knew I could save myself 

That’s when I knew I got older

I wasn’t naive anymore 

Nor was I full of teenage angst

I had hopes and ambitions and dreams

Where I was my own prince

Where I realized I am strong 

Like the lions in the clouds

Where I realized I am beautiful 

Like the pastels 

That’s when I knew I got older