When I was 8 I was told
Never wish to grow old.
But curiosity helped my life unfold,
My little voice about to grow bold.

When I was 10 someone said
The only monsters lived in my head.
Since when did they stop living under my bed?
I guess I chose to grow up instead.

When I was 12 I heard someone say
Not to let my demons ruin the day.
I was alone and not okay
So I sang myself to sleep wherever I lay.

When I was 14 I could make it no farther.
No matter what they told me it just got darker.
They wrote insults on my heart with permanent marker.
They expected my to smile through all their laughter.

When I was in my casket I heard someone call
That I was loved and I was their doll.
But with pins in my heart they let their doll fall.
There's no way to save them all.

When I was 6ft under I heard no more moans.
There I was sentenced to dust and bone.
The weight in my chest hardened to stone,
And I truly felt what it was like to be alone.

(m.c)