dear childhood

dear childhood
do you remember the good days?
the children laughing and smiling around you
the carefree days filled with joy
when everyone was a friend
the stories of stuffed animals and candy
do you remember those happy details?
the hair barely long enough to fit into those pigtails
the fresh teeth that came with crisp dollar bills
the small baby you held in your arms
the smiling family photos
do you know what happened?
was it when it's teeth dug in
tearing at the face you thought was impenetrable
the moment you realized you weren't invincible
the immortality and smiles replaced by blood on your shirt
tears on your face
scars that would follow you forever
the realization that not all creatures are kind
was it when you learned she wasn't immortal either?
when chocolates and tea parties
became ashes and grief
only things left were the pillows filled with her fading scent
and the memories of her blurred face
each detail slowly fading to nothing
till you can't even remember the warmth of her hugs
was it when you found out that true love wasn't always forever?
that it can become hatred and cruelty
when they tear your life in two
one home filled with hugs and comfort
the other filled with cigar smoke and shame
their love torn apart and they'll tear you apart for yours
the discovery that love is more complicated and dangerous than you though
well look at this
seems we have finally met in the middle
the past filled with joy and fantasy
the present willed with tears and regret
here we stand
hands pressed together as we meet
fingers finally touching
what was the moment between us
the thing that changed us from what was to what is and will be
made us so different and seperate
it wasn't the laughter
and it wasn't the tears
it was simply when you opened that door
you didn't know this would be the thing that stole your innocence
it was so easy
to step into this unknown world
filled with fear and change
and i wish i could come back with you and your childhood dreams
but that door is closed
that wall was built between us
all i can do is keep moving through this hallway of terrors and ripped wallpaper
and hope that maybe
there's another door
that will lead to the outside
and i can be free
you can be free
we can be free
from the hallways of the past
the present
and into the brighter future
of tomorrow