Our innocence is forgotten.
It becomes smoke and rises
away from us, away from reality

A different reality is unearthed
from dread and self hate.
It bleeds into us like acid

No longer are we humming crushes’ names

Or passing simple “check yes or no” notes

Or swimming as mermaids in backyard pools

We are drugged up mental patients
We are flesh lights that cry silently
We are reborn into ash under feet.