I realized I was no longer a kid,

 

When I left the sea

 

The sand leaving scratched memories,

 

Of who I used to be.

 

I realized I was no longer a kid,

 

When I left my bike in the street,

 

The scars healed on my skinned knees,

 

Chalk dust faded on the concrete.

 

I realized I was no longer a kid,

 

When the boogeyman wasn’t the real monster anymore,

 

The day I realized the demons were friendly faces,

 

Not dark shadows outside my door.

 

I realized I was no longer a kid,

 

When the expectations became too immense,

 

“Do good in this, exceed at that,”

 

My shoulders are getting tense.

 

I realized I was no longer a kid,

 

When I found myself wanting to be free,

 

To spread my failing wings,

 

My childhood, please, come back to me.