You were the little girl with the bright eyes and bouncing golden curls
Your gap toothed smiled wide and sparkling
The freckles dusted across your face like stars in the galaxy

You had no fears except for the monsters under your bed
And the old woman who lived down the street
Confidence radiated from you
Your determination was contagious

Your limbs grew longer
And your mind gained knowledge
You made friends
And kissed boys
And played games
And ran barefoot through the grass

Then you fell

You began to cover your body with scars
And your mind was tired of trying
Your friends had left you lost in the dark
And the boys you had kissed forgot all about you
And you were done playing games

The earth grew colder
And you bare feet could no longer take it
You had to hide beneath blankets
Away from the rest of the world

You learned that there was no room for monsters under your mattress
And that the neighboring woman was a lonely widow alone in her house
You followed her example
And tucked yourself away

The light in your eyes began to disappear
And your golden glow grew dim
You no longer showcased your dazzling smile
And all your stars burned out without anyone noticing