An Empaths' Curse

Lost Childhood

I watched helplessly as my childhood passed me by

A child dragging through life with adult eyes

I sang pretty lullabies alone in my room

Then tucked myself in and focussed on the light seeping through cracks in my door

Till someone flicked the switch

And snuffed it out

Snuffed were laughs of pure joy

From playing with all my favourite toys

Replaced with silent tears

And a grown ups' worst fears.

I'd observe, perched at the curb

As my friends played

But I had to go home soon

Knowing each time, I'd wish I had stayed

Anxiety was a sickness I caught in advance

At 8, I didn't join in when the other kids would skip and dance

For I'd spend that time waiting in dread

And at 12, I wished I was dead.