Skinned Knees.

I miss my childhood.

I miss the days that didn't matter, the sticky summer nights turning into the crisp fall days.

I miss the simplicity of love, compassion, and trust.

-And I miss the ease to regain those three without all the angst packaged with it.

I miss the ability to forgive and forget in a matter of 10 minutes and being shut in my bedroom.

I miss sun-kissed skin and chlorine-smelling hair pulled into a tight ponytail, pieces carelessly falling and dancing in the wind against me running.

I miss mindless chatter filling my days.

I miss pretending.

-And I miss the endless creativity to go along with it.

I miss games and skits and skipping.

I miss not having to worry about the following day, worry about what's already happened and can't be changed, worry about the future.

I miss bike rides to nowhere.

I miss laying in the grass, fingertips grazing the tips, a linger of yesterday's adventures.

I miss playing dress up.

I miss snack time and fun messes.

I miss scheduled naps.

I miss shrieking about nothing, running with only my spirit tagging along.

I miss building room forts and camping out in them all day.

I miss when boys had cooties.

I miss not having consequences.

-Or at least learning them the easy way.

I miss never understanding the significance of death and passing, losing and moving on.

I miss loving unconditionally and being loved in return with a simple hug.

I miss holding hands with my best friends forever.

I miss the impossibility of a broken heart.

-And miss when a broken heart only meant having to get rid of a raggedy stuffed animal.

I miss when lies and cheating didn't shatter honesty and loyalty.

I miss climbing up into my daddy's lap just because.

I miss being teased by my older, bigger brother.

-And him receiving the blame for whatever occurred.

I miss never having to look back; there was no regret, no shame, no guilt.

I miss thinking I still came from my mommy's tummy.

I miss sleepovers.

I miss having no barriers and allowing anyone and everyone in with a gracious heart.

I miss putting all faith in my toys and parents.

-And this is without the possibility of losing hope.

I miss being naive to the world around me, to the broken world waiting to consume me, to the broken people and society.

I miss not feeling complete sorrow, heartache and pain.

I miss love meaning hugging my mother when she's upset.

I miss my baby blanket.

I miss the words and feelings and emotions which use to flow from my mouth to anyone who would listen, without worrying what others might think and judge or ignore.

I miss thinking my prince charming will rescue me and we'll live happily ever after.

I miss crying simply because I broke my plastic bracelet, not because I failed another relationship or situation.

I miss it all.

I miss just....being...existing...living.

I miss my skinned knees.