When I Was Eighteen
By Ashley O’Hare
I was eighteen when you found me-
Long blonde hair, skinny blue jeans—
Radiating high school from every cell inside.
You approached me; gave me no time to run and hide.
I couldn’t see through the kaleidoscopic rose glasses,
So I dropped all my defenses.
The timer’s on: eighteen months you’ll be around
Before you burn my life to the ground.
T-Ten months until you’ll kiss me
And leave me to throw up on the street—
No sanctuary in sight;
It’s going to be a long, long night.
I bet you didn’t count on
Your victim becoming a brawn.
I knew my limits, so I called the police.
You’ll never again hurt them or me.
ashleyohare 