It was in grade three that I knew things were going to change
Instead of focusing, I’d just run out to play
They asked my peers “what do you want to be when you grow up?”
Some said firefighter, doctor, or someone great
I stood there lost, not knowing what to say

By grade six I knew things were different
My friends who played with designer dolls
Now play with dirty lighters

The same ones who would never think to lie
Come up with excuses so they can relax,
Intoxicate themselves, and go on midnight drives

My friends don’t cry because they got dumped
They cry when their supply just isn’t enough

Until grade ten

My life went downhill, it wasn’t fair
My innocent life had soon become theirs

By grade twelve
After years of breaking the rules
It seemed cool at the time but now we feel like fools

I visit the place where I used to go
It used to have purpose but now I don’t know

I look at the playground
It turns into the basement we go to
When parents aren’t around

I look down at the ground
The woodchips have turned into cold, empty bottles
The things we played on, are now scattered with ashes

I take one last look
My whole life comes in flashes

How did I get here?
I had plans, I had dreams
But I guess life’s not all it’s made out to be