It started off as college dorm mates
The bonds were forged by proximity.
We were so lucky to find our group
That would become family for eternity.

Those days, we made memories daily
Crying in the library to dancing in the laundry room
We found best friends who truly knew us
And we lived to see each other bloom.

The good, the bad, the stress and celebrations
We were all in it together.
Those unforgettable moments captured in my head
Each photo brings a memory more precious than the other.

Graduation came 4 years later
And we all had to go our separate ways.
There was so much laughter and tears.
But we knew our bonds would last always.

We couldn't see each other often,
But each time, it'd be like nothing changed
All excited about our futures
Joking that our kids marriages would be arranged.

They were supposed to call you Uncle one day
But that all changed and we don't know why
You dropped us and didn't even explain
All those messages, we sent without reply

Maybe one day our paths will cross again
Maybe you'll realize what a mistake you made
Right now it's hard to imagine forgiving
This hurt feeling of being betrayed.

I'm tired.
A phrase I mutter everyday
Coffee will keep me wired
But in the end, I always pay.

How I long for sleep each night
Come bedtime, my hand will be dealt.
Miserable insomnia or out like a light.
Those sleepless nights will surely be felt.

When I sleep a full 8 hours
I still awaken heavy laden
My body fighting with all it's powers
Grasping onto the bed I should've stayed in.

So what is this magic number?
Two or ten hours, it makes no difference
While I yearn for a satisfying slumber
My mind is marked by dissonance.

I'm tired. I'm tired.
I will continue to grumble
Until I am finally retired.
And my responsibilities crumble.

A hopeless romantic
Whose never been romanced.
Living vicariously through the movies
And epitomizing the storybook endings.

Real life isn't like that
But for me, maybe it can be.
Lingering hope will be my Downfall
And that's alright with me.

I've never known that kind of love
I still expect a magical first kiss.
The image in my head is just a photograph
But reality will be in messy watercolors.

Heartbreak will surely follow
And I can't say it'll be worth it.
But the feeling of falling for you
Is better than any crash landing

Right now you only see a friend
But tomorrow may be different.
If I hand you my heart
Will you crush it like all the others?

In your twenties they say
You are young and carefree.
Looking forward to each day
Full of promise and opportunity.

Behind the curtain they don't see
The weight of the world on your shoulder.
Thinking this makes or breaks who you turn out to be
Telling yourself it'll all be worth it when you're older.

You've survived almost 20 years of school
Just to be rewarded with a GPA and crushing debt.
All you want is your dream job but you say its cool
Because you know that dream will never be met.

You fan the flames of societal pressures
Comparing your life to those who "thrive"
That only adds to the long list of stressors
And its you whose burnt out by twenty five.

You take a step back and you finally realize
The key to being young and carefree.
It starts with looking at yourself through someone else's eyes
And it ends with a hot cup of tea.