Time To Put Away Childish Things

Day one, wearing our innocence, like the whites of our shirts

Not fearing judgement, our feelings were tattooed on our skin

We would let the people see when it hurts

This is where our story begins

We were fearless even with these bodies as fragile as a butterfly’s wings

Living our lives as if this armor doesn’t have a single chink

Preparing to fly, ever since we got on the swings

Jumping into the deep end, without a thought of how we will sink

As brave as lions, baring our underdeveloped teeth

Roaring as loud as we pleased

Pictures of sweet children with souls of warriors lying underneath

Eyes wide open, every opportunity offered, we seized

The years began to fly past, even though our feet never left the ground

Getting taller, gaining the years as we reached for older

But what we expected wasn’t what we found

Instead of running free, we began to lose what made us bolder

They shut us up and said we can no longer be wild

Our warriors were forced to hang up their swords

After all, they say, you cannot continue to act like a child

Trading in our broad shields in for chalkboards

Quieter and quieter, until what we say can no longer be heard

They smiled as none of us dared make a sound

Wild was lost, just as we were whenever we tried to utter a word

What sorrow befell us, that invulnerability was nowhere to be found

Growing older and more “civilized”

Becoming the opposite of what we aspired to be

Walking into the cages that we once despised

What has become of me?

Where is the warrior that reached for the stars?

Ready to fly at the drop of a hat

What is it that made us who we are?

I can’t think of an answer for that

I simply know that when the wonder sets and the bell of realism rings

You've made the decision: it's time to put away childish things