the darkness of radiant youth

By Katherine Abbagnaro

forced to grow up when you took away my youth

and I kept you in my life, and no one ever knew the truth

though it cost me my dignity and pride

all it cost you were menacingly casual lies.

I watched the ripe age of fourteen rot before me

as you sat there in your sin smiling guiltlessly

you basked in your blissful ignorance

like you were proud to be a menace.

fourteen

the age of maturing before your time

when your innocence is torn from you by reality

and your friends become contorted by society.

fourteen

the age your best friend becomes your biggest fear

and you, your worst enemy.

fourteen

the age everyone looks forward to

until it’s finally here and your excitement fades to disappointment

and that disappointment kills you.