Being chewed and spat through life changes you.

“You are mature for your age” –

 it isn’t a compliment.

Trauma will age you,

if not physically,

then mentally.

The lack of a sense of security

and peace

in your life

will make you overly independent.

You will build and armour,

where you won’t rely on anyone anymore,

and can’t let anyone in,

and no one can truly see you.

Receiving compliments on characteristics

that don’t define you,

but your scars

makes you wonder.

Which part is you,

and which part is the scar tissue

that has built up around your soul?

Behind that armour

secretly,

you dream.

Of days

where you can let go,

where you can be you,

where you can trustful,

and you can be young

and immature again.

Because you know,

it won’t cost your security,

and there will be someone,

just as childish as you,

seeing

you

and past the scars of your trauma.