Lies and Butterflies

When still small and carefree
They never tell you the truth
That life in the future
Will be full of misery
Instead they fill your head with lies and butterflies
Let you dance and dream and describe

When still innocent and wide-eyed
The world seems so promising
Encouraged to succeed, “be all you can be”
They hide the truth behind sugar sweet voices
Lead you on with a pat on the back
Put you to bed with hope beneath your head

Then one day the veil comes down
And truth stands there before you
Its long shadow cast over your eyes
Its grabbing fingers poking and jabbing
Why, you wonder, wasn’t I told?
And all you can do is cry

inspired by Sandra Cisneros' Eleven