school changed them
to the source of why-won’t-you’s
and how-come’s
because though it had occupied many video cameras
no one wanted little kid stories anymore
they wanted big girl words

then i started to grow along with them
but the same sickly pages who took away my ignorance
protected my innocence
saving me from a angst-ridden
grown-up world
comforting me with their constant reality and truth
because they were the only ones who never lied

and they will not leave me
the same friends on my bookshelves
will happily squish together between wood panels
will dull the pain
of crying days and temper tantrums

will comfort my children
and their children
in hopes that they may find relief
in what has ended up keeping me
a child