Innocence

I’m three years old,
I’m taking a nap.
I had a nightmare
About the scary monsters.
Make them leave me, Mommy.
Keep them away, Daddy.
Sing me back to sleep.
Offer me your words of
False comfort.
Leave me to drift back
To my castles and knights.
But don’t let them get me here.

I’m six years old,
Getting ready for school.
With my backpack on,
And my hair in braids.
I’m all alone now,
In this classroom.
Why did you leave me, Mommy?
Take me back home, Daddy.
I don’t like this place.
School’s not for me to face.
Let me go back to sleep,
Sing me a lullaby.
Let me lay here and weep,
And watch the clouds go by.

I’m ten years old,
And I’m crying today.
My first pet passed away.
I’m heartbroken.
Can we get another, Mommy?
Don’t you want a puppy, Daddy?
You’re not fair to me.
I wish I was free.
I’m throwing a tantrum,
And you give in.
I always get my way,
I always win.

I’m thirteen years old,
Everything’s about
The way I look.
I can’t remember the
Last time I read a book.
Why do you hate me, Mommy?
Why can’t I just leave, Daddy?
No one understands me.
So I put my headphones in.
Nobody loves me.
So I commit the greatest sin.

And I never got to be
Sixteen years old.
I never got to drive.
And I never got to be
Eighteen years old.
I never graduated.
And I never got to drink.
I never had kids.
I never sang again.
I lost my innocence,
I lost myself.
Father, I have sinned.
Father, I have sinned.

I’m three years old,
I’m taking a nap.
I had a nightmare
About the scary monsters.