I miss being a kid.

Staying up late felt mischievous

and hanging out with my friends was my only worry.

Now all I do is stay up late

 hurrying to complete a never-ending stream of homework.

My crowded mind constantly swirling with tasks I must complete.

I miss the sense of spontaneity

and endless possibilities that came with being young and naive.

The times when I could run into

my siblings’ rooms and annoy them because they were always home.

Now they have moved to college

and their rooms are dark and empty.

I miss being unapologetically loud and annoying –

when no one looked twice if I was dancing in a quiet store

or singing in the drive through.

Now people look with judging eyes at the sight

of a teenage girl being herself.

I miss being a kid.