For years, my mouth was shut.

The snakes had taped it shut.

Shyness was my lock, confidence became my key.

What means the most is them:

The Ultimate Weirdness.

The ones who ripped off the tape.

Out on the playground playing an unfamiliar game,

What's more, with unknown faces.

"It's called Mafia," they said. "It's a lot of fun."

It was the first time I felt like people wanted me around.

The next minute I know, the lights are on me.

The glittering costumes, passionate performers and rock solid props.

The end was a blur of "good job" and "you were awesome"

But nothing will beat me reuniting with them.

Them, and my newfound confidence.

One by one, they solemnly break the news.

“Guys, I’m leaving.”

There’s no time to be sad,

We have to make these moments last.

June rolls around and the dreaded day finally comes.

Another blur of tearful goodbyes.

Before I could turn and look, a pen was slipped into my hand.

Bright, tiny, yellow, plastic.

The pen might be plastic but my memories are anything but.

“Don’t forget to remember us.” She said.

But little did I know that one day, it would be my turn.

No matter where we are, we will always be the Ultimate Weirdness.

And I’ll never be the old me again.