“WE’VE JUST GROWN UP”

by Angelina Vita

when there were happier times

I knew you each as I knew myself

always a reason to see you and call you and need you

never a reason to miss out

now I watch my mirrored image change

and see the way you cut your hair

the way your skirts creep higher and your neckline droops to meet

the way you talk and fight and cry and the way your mascara runs

and I don’t know you

we’ve grown up

you one way and I the other

we’ll never be those kids again

our minds are troubled by the emptiness

you who once cared too much will never return

and I will never leave