Scribbles on a Napkin

How Old are You?

How old are you?

Well, it depends. Are we talking mentally? Or are we talking physically?

If we are talking physically, then you get the boring answer - I'm 17.

But if you ask mentally? That's why you get an answer that is totally unique to the person asking, and the person asking alone. 

Some days when you ask, I am four years old. Those are the days when sitting still is hard, and even the simplest things make you excited. Those are the days when you lock yourself in your room and throw a temper tantrum, kicking and screaming where no one can see.

Some days when you ask, I am sixty five years old. Those are the days when wisdom and knowledge flow from my mouth freely, when everything that I say can be interpreted as a little masterpiece on it's own. Those are the days when I can look back at all that I've done and smile, knowing that I gave it my all, for that was all that I had to give.

Some days when you ask, I am seventeen years old. Those are the days when the depression runs rampant, when self acceptance runs dry, an peer pressure is the driving force behind nearly every decision made. Those are the days when I sit in my room in the dark, tucked into a corner and just waiting for the next day to come, for a new start to the same tape played over and over again.

So go ahead, ask me how old I am - sometimes you'll be surprised to see what I respond with.