we used to clutch our teddy bears

swaddled and cuddled warmly

without any real fears.

then dozing off quietly,

wrapped in a fuzzy blanket

hiding in forts of pillows,

never feeling rushed or frantic

knowing that blissful days would follow.

today, we are held by our bears.

throats held tightly with dread

looked down on with menacing glares;

feeling as if we’re better off dead.

please don’t let me slip into debt

“these are the best years of your life,”

i thought they said we’d be set?

Photo Credit: favim.com