Fading Away

Fading Away When I was born I was such a pretty little girl. I remember I was covered From head to toe in tiny lights. Thousands of them. So pretty I shone. Like an illuminated Christmas tree. Then as I became older. I learned how to lie. Mom I have done my work. A light went out. Mom there won’t be any alcohol there. A group of lights faded. Mom I did not sleep with him. A whole branch darkened. It’s OK Dad I will never do drugs. The lights all dimmed. Now I am older. I walk the rainy city streets In the night. I see my jaded reflection gaunt and sad in the mirrors of the shop windows. All my pretty lights have extinguished. Except if you look Very close just a few of them are Still trying stubbornly to glimmer. Against all possible odds. Even after all my self harm. They are around my heart.