For 10 years we held our stuffed animals dearly

Our princess costumes and crowns well-worn and loved

After being traipsed through supermarkets, Targets, and Costco.

We grew out of them eventually, retiring them to our closets and under our beds

Just a reminder of a time that had once existed

A time where the biggest issue we had was what color crayon we should choose.

These problems diminished as we acquiescently moved to higher and higher grades

Our childlike personalities fading as our ages became greater

And our minds became full of math equations and scientific definitions.

We surrendered our scooters, training-wheel bikes, the time we spent outside playing in the street

Parading the loud, obnoxious laughs that echoed off the houses that caught our overthrown tennis balls.

Our flushed faces coated with chocolate ice cream after long hot days in the sun

Taking to the pool to cool off after our eventful days in our made-up worlds.

Faces becoming freckled with a red tint left by the sun’s blazing glare

And red rings in endless circles around our eyes from the tight goggles that kept pool water out of our eyes

As we raced to deep end to retrieve the tossed toys before they hit the bottom.

10 years of sunburns, freckles, gap-toothed smiles

Childish laughs, braided hair, and wide eyes

As we told intricate made-up stories of our alternate lives that take place in our broad imaginations.

Photo Credits: Days of the Year

Written by

Hannah Williamson

Hannah Williamson, junior, has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. She is excited to be able to further her abilities through the publication. In her free time, she enjoys playing softball with her teammates and spending time with her family. Hannah’s favorite book is John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars.