When I was five I was more alive then now.  I was told I was a child then.  Adults new best;  was what I heard, and trained to see that clear. By ten I questioned the things I was taught.  How could I be wrong because my age wasn't ripened? I knew that analogy better then adults could see.  I had heard of those that didn't like children, the ones that couldn't connect.  I never could understand that true, because I was young and knew they had been young too.  When I was ten I decided I would never hate children.  I knew I was a child too.  But time flies and now I cry because I'm not the same.  I was taught that your elders always knew best.  But now I'm bested by the children and it leaves my heart with stress.  If it weren't for who I knew I'd be I would hate to see a child.  12 years of teachers and I think I was smarter before I was taught. If we hate the children, we're teaching them to hate elders too.  When they become the elder, you'll be living by their care. How could they love you the way you need, when they had needed your love too.

I'm sorry
I didn't mean
to fall
in love
but---
the way you kissed me
I felt a tingle
and that tingle
zapped my heart
and made it beat again---
and now
I can't get you
out of
my head

You know, I've started getting used to it.
The expertise came slowly, bit by bit.
The way their eyes look when the heart breaks.
Honestly, I've turned it into something of an art.
Because, another person confessed their love today,
and how on earth am I supposed to convey
that I don't want to be tied down by anyone?

Throw an arm over my shoulder
Pull me close as we walk through the
     aisles
Slipping a hand into your back pocket
Lips curved in teasing smiles
Press a kiss to my hair
Profess your love in a whisper
Leave me with dignity at my door
Never realizing I have your wallet.