Childhood

By AnnaSofia Abelgas

Her hair kept untamed.

Squared off bangs

hid her from the truth.

The truth of reality.

The truth of life.

Her pink sweater

and matching scarf

wrapped around her arms

and torso

like an unintentional set of armor.

She would never know

her parents struggle

to keep the power running.

To have hot water

every single night

that she wastes

playing

with conditioner

and shaving cream.

She would never know

the true reason

why her mom

had to stop

picking her up

from school.

She would never know

the true reason

why instead of home cooked meals

they had to get Taco Bell.

Two dollar deal on two soft tacos

with a medium pepsi.

One for her.

One for her sister.

Both left to share the drink.

Why she had to go to work

with her dad

because no one

could watch her

back at home.

Why breaks were spent

at nursing school

because her dad

had to teach a class,

but at least

that meant she should could get

McDonald’s pancakes

with a hashbrown

and orange juice.

She would never know

about the hardships

that were happening

right under her nose.

It was better that way.

She is better that way.