I am afraid to be alone, but I am.

Sent into the "real world," alone.

Clinging to my hopes for the future,

hoping they will sustain me.

I am told that my childhood is over.

Now I must learn to be an adult.

But how can I close my heart

to the tales of Peter Pan and Robin Hood?

How will I chase the fairies from the wood,

and send Santa Claus on to the next house?

Am I no longer allowed to take delight

in the magic of a firefly

or the mysteries of the stars?

Why can't I remain here?

Can I close my mind to the promises of the future

and remain in the sun-filled fields of youth?

I am unable, the pull of the future is too strong.

I do step into the "real world,"

afraid but not alone.

I did not pull the door shut on my childhood,

I still need to hear the wind whispering

my dreams and hopes to the stars,

and to see the fairies dancing among the trees.