How Young I Was

A song came on today

and I was back that day.

My face burning red.

Everything that I'd said.

I was so young.

I didn't know yet

that everyone forgets.

That the person I was

would become the person

who could look back with something softer.

That moment seemed enormous then.

The end of everything when

I thought the world would know.

But it was just a show.

Just me, young and afraid.

Just me, trying to fade.

Just me, not knowing

I would survive the showing.

The song was playing at the coffee shop.

I didn't ask them to stop.

The barista didn't know.

The other customers didn't know.

Only I knew what was happening

in my chest.

That old feeling trying to rest.

The girl who was so afraid—

she's still here.

She's still young.

She's still here.

I'm just the one who carries her.