(slight tw: mention of child neglect/abuse)
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the trail in the woods i always used to walk on,
pretending i was an explorer
the sand pile i always used to sit on,
making five star meals for you out of the dirt and leaves
the horse i used to ride on,
laughing with you as he galloped along
the garage i always used to sleep in,
wishing it were less cold and you were less angry
the chair i always used to sit in,
listening to you scream insults at me
the "treehouse" cabin i always used to lock myself in,
seeking the only refuge i could find
the place i always used to consider my home,
living there long after it stopped feeling like one.
---
date written: november 22, 2023
