"It's natural."

Like the ebb and flow

of the waves that crash below.

"You're crazy."

As I'm repeatedly blamed

and advised to make lemons into lemonade.

"You'll be fine."

Or so I'm told

as I feel like life is always on hold.

"Get over it."

I'm scolded and shamed

being far too young to feel this drained.

"It will pass."

The worry and the fear

the energy is uses feels severe.

"You're boring."

Now...

I wish I had never let go.

Of my childhood joy and wonder,

the thrill of theatre and plays,

voicing my happiness in choir,

running my bow across the strings.

Bullies can be cruel,

ruining the experience of school.

I wish I had never let go.

Of saying what I wanted,

choosing for myself,

ignoring my mothers ideas,

my beliefs in life.

I felt like I had no other choice,

my future falling due to lack...