To the girl I left behind…

To the girl I left behind...

If I could have warned you
That there were worse things
Than skinned knees and broken bicycles,
Believe me I would have.
I’d have shielded you from the harsh words
Of people who didn’t even know you,
From the soul-crushing insults and laughter.
I’d have told you boys would hurt you,
That they’d make you trust them
And then break your heart
And never think twice.
I’d have helped you understand that parents don’t listen
And they don’t understand,
That some people are so shallow
That they’ll always hate you.
I’d have warned you about high school,
Told you how much pressure it is,
So much pressure.
But I couldn’t,
And I can’t.
And you’ve learned,
Well we’ve learned
And grown.