I grew up too quickly, skipped into the spring,
No time to learn what years might bring.
The days were brief, the nights were long
I traded play for growing strong.
My steps were hurried, my path was unclear
Too young to carry so much fear
Too independent, I wore it proud.
My voice quiet, but silent loud.
Too strong to lean, too proud to fall.
I built an armour, I built it tall.
Cracks appeared, the weight came through.
The things I hid, the truths I knew.
Beneath the strength, a softer cry.
A need for warmth I dared deny.
To stand alone is not to live.
For hearts need space to break and give.
I grew too quickly, closed too tight.
And long to feel the fragile light.
By Hester Bennett
