Things I Know

Pink backpack pigtails in my hair
playing laughing singing
ice cream dripping down my chin
daddy keeps me safe and mommy holds me tight
all the trees change colors
and I’m not quite sure why
But I know about Santa Claus
and fairies
and the best places for hide and seek
I know about the bedtime stories
that mommy reads at night
and I know that I will get a good night kiss when she turns off the light

Pink glasses braces on my teeth
teasing poking whispering
tears dripping down my chin
mommy says I’m just sensitive and daddy yells a lot
everyone seems to hate me
and I’m not quite sure why
but I know about changes
and shame
and the best ways to hide my body
I know about the TV shows
I watch late into the night
and I know I’ll be too tired to care about the mean girls when I turn off the light

Pink lipstick piercings in my ears
dancing flirting running
alcohol dripping down my chin
everything seems to be going so fast
and I’m not quite sure why
but I know about boys
and eyeliner
and the best stories to tell
I know the best adventures
are the ones that spill into the night
and I know that I’m okay with who I am when I turn off the light