I saw the world in a million colors,

But now I see just seven.

I saw mermaids and fairies and dragons and mages,

But now they're trapped in dusty pages.

I saw myself reaching for the stars,

But now I see the real distance.

I was standing on clouds, waving down,

But now they fade beneath my feet.

I saw golden crowns just steps ahead,

But now my feet have turned to lead.

My dreams felt real,

My head was clear.

I never doubted my success

Now I fear my failure.

My mind is a storm that never rests.

My goals are a blur,

Every step feels unsure.

I once saw the flames that lit the room,

But now I see the melting candles.

I saw the world in a million colors,

But now they've turned to mere illusions.

I could only see the blacks and whites,

But now I see the shades of gray.

The shining light was so bright,

But now it casts the darkest shadows.

I only saw the sweetest smiles,

But now I see the hollow eyes.

Now I see the friendly faces

That hide the lies beneath their masks.

I saw the world in endless light,

The darkness never showed to me.

But now I see the shadows stretching,

I see the world begin to fray.

I look into my tired eyes,

And I see my childhood slip away.

—M. Sora