Childlike innocence
Fades slowly
Mentioned less and less as one reads the story of a life
The first time you cried
The first time you laughed
The scent of lilac still reminiscent
Of the time you first experienced death
And watched someone lowered into the ground.
The tears that then stung your face
Come more slowly
Less easily
You turn the page and they're gone altogether -
Hidden behind a mask of indifference.

You build a wall around yourself
So no one can look in
And see
The child inside you
Still laughing
Still crying
Still loving without holding anything back
So quiet now, no one can hear it
Except yourself.

The world becomes dull
Repetitive
Sunrise and sunset continue on;
Nothing changes.

How long has it been
Since life was exciting?
You can't remember -
The chapter is closed.