I have lived seventeen years, but I do not know how many more
I will last through
I am not an adult, yet I am treated like one
and punished just the same
I do not want or deserve these responsibilities, but like an adult
I have no choice
I am not an adult, but still I must turn a brave face
and hold back my fears

I am still a child, scared,
alone
Trapped behind a facade of serenity
At night I shed this skin and scream out silently
as to not disturb my jailors
I am still a child, hurting,
confused
I crave rewards and positive gestures
Not these broken hearts
and scattered pill bottles

I am not an adult, but I must meet the
expectations of one

I am still a child, lost,
cold

The constant stream of slamming doors
and shouting echos
washes over me
I am losing my grasp

I am not an adult, but they expect me
to stay afloat

I am still a child, and I
cannot swim