Before/After

Before

I had dreams

I had compassion

I didn’t care what anyone thought

I laughed more often than not

I cried over things that mattered to me

I didn’t have to get through the day

I looked forward to things

Like school

I did things for fun

I had time for hobbies

I had “playdates” with friends

I wanted to become someone

Be something

I had confidence in myself

I wasn’t prejudiced or biased

Now

There’s no time for dreams or love

No time to care

No way to be myself without considering others

No real reasons to cry, but I cry anyway

No way to make a difference

No time for fun

No time to “hang out” with friends

I don’t know who I want to be

Or if I will become something

I have less confidence

I have biases I can’t control.

My thoughts and hopes could’ve filled a pool

Now they drip slowly out of the faucet and down the drain

All because of middle school.