growing up in this life

Lollipops turn into cigarettes

The innocent ones turn into sluts

Homework goes in the trash

Mobile phones are being used in class

Detention becomes suspension

Soda becomes vodka

Bikes become cars

Kisses turn into sex

Remember when getting high meant swinging on the playground?

When protection meant wearing a helmet?

When the worst things you could get from boys were cooties?

Dad’s shoulders were the highest place on earth and mum was your hero?

Your worst enemies were your siblings

Race issues were about who ran the fastest

War was only a card game

And the only drug you knew was cough medicine

When wearing a skirt didn’t make you a slut

The most pain you felt was when you skinned your knees, and goodbyes only meant until tomorrow?

And we couldn’t wait to grow up...

- David Harty

I wish I could say I wrote it.

However cliche it may sound...I think it puts this side of growing up nicely. Or not nicely depending on how much you enjoy the idea of lollipops turning into cigarettes.