as you get older you start to wonder what happened;
those kids who were full of happiness and joy are now shadows of their former selves.

maybe it is the fact that they have been pushed so far down,
they don't want to get up.
maybe it is the fact that they have been scarred with far worse than some will ever seem to understand.
maybe it is simply the fact that life seems to purposefully hurt you,
and you are always the victim.

adults may say kids cannot be depressed or have mental disorders,
and those who do are blind to reality,
maybe your eyes will open one day and you will learn to love.

care a little harder,
fight a little longer,
learn to grow from a seedling into a beautiful flower,
a sapling into a big sturdy tree,
a baby into a strong individual.

and then you will feel at peace.

-jhené.a.

time's up
the clock is ticking,
your breath is quickening,
your eyes are blurred and the light in your eyes is hidden,
behind a mask of happiness you know isn't true,
but you keep it all inside,
with your heart clawing to be free,
and your head, it's pounding thoughts a million at once.

but you promised yourself to be okay,
even if pretending was not.

-jhené.a.