Second grade, picture day

Grey eyes like fireflies
dare the world to disappoint
all is a technicolor wonderland
tenderly tied with a silk ribbon

skipping barefoot, boldfoot
soft soles befriending
each blade of bluegrass

Look at me, look at me,
I am magic.

Then he came…and came…and came…

draining the innocence
sucking all sweetness
from my fresh flesh
rendering me reflectionless

Third grade, picture day

Grey eyes like winter skies
beg the world for mercy
all is a monochromatic wasteland
wrapped in barbed wire

tiptoeing in steel-toed boots
terrified of tetanus
and broken blue glass

Look away, look away,
I am monster.