When you grew up

Do you remember

the first time you skinned your knee

and didn't care to tell anyone?

Or when you first slept

with the hall light off

no longer afraid of the shadows

on your roof?

Or even when you threw up

for the first time

and no one in the house knew,

except for you?

 

Perhaps more importantly

do you remember the first time you lied?

Hit someone? 

Got a bruise on your hand

not from falling,

playing with friends,

but from being so angry you punched the wall?

Your first kiss you didn't tell your mom

because she wouldn't get it?

 

Do you remember not doing the dishes?

Sneaking cookies?
Making your own dinner?

Doing your homework alone?

Dealing with bullies alone?

Grocery shopping alone?

Do you remember growing up?

 

Or did you one day

just remember that time has passed.

That family board games are 

a distant memory.

That mom hasn't cooked for you

in months and you didn't even notice.

Were you paying attention 

when you grew up?