Monsters

When I was younger I used to befriend the monster everyone warned us about.

Too young and yearning for approval.

I was that kid who was always alone.

Following anyone who’d ever listen.

I was the goody two shoes.

The teacher's pet.

The sensitive one.

Giving me my unique perspective.

I gave people chances.

I forgave.

Afterall I saw that they were hurting.

I saw the reflection of fear.

Fumbling and fighting for fulfillment.

Afterall we were just kids.

We weren’t monsters.

Problems.

I don’t think a lot of adults realized that.

They used us.

Tools to make them feel good about themselves.

Bargaining chips.

Spare parts.

Then they complain that we aren’t what they wanted us to be.

Questioning why we never talk.

Why we’d rather never wake up.

Drowning in our own thoughts.

As we struggle to find air.

We have our heads held under water.

And it would feel so good to just breathe.