Poem: When I Was Small

When I was small the world did not seem scary,
I was happy with Cinderella and Tom and Jerry.
When I was innocent, my hardships were less,
Upon reaching maturity, I’m in constant stress.

When I was a child, the world could be trusted,
Now that I have tasted life, I feel disgusted.
When I was naive, my thoughts were clear,
Now I’m surrounded by fright and fear.

When I was a kid, the world was full of colors,
My heart would dance when I saw the flowers.
When I was a little girl I loved butterflies,
And the orange, purple, patterned skies.

Being a grown up, I now know chagrin,
I can’t calm the hurricane I carry within.
I’m choking to death, I’m breathless,
My tears won’t come out, I feel so helpless!

Written By Shumila Malik