Paper Wings

I’ve grown taller

and the weight of the world has grown heavier.

But my mind has spent years in denial,

purple walls feeding into the delusions of a child.

I’ve grown tired

and birthdays have become dreaded reminders

of the parties that turned to empty rooms,

and the wishes that never came true.

I’ve grown apart

from my oldest friends, but I’ll pretend

we’re still each other’s “everyday”

and not blurry faces in crowded hallways.

I’ve grown into a stranger,

but I didn’t think it would happen this soon.

I’ll do whatever it takes to convince myself

I’m still a child in my room.

-A.J