“What Used To Be”
By Ashley O’Hare
Every now and then
I hear her voice
reminding me to lift my chin
and stay on course.
Pre-teen me
had a steady head.
She did not rely on caffeine
to get her out of bed.
She freely dreamed
when she was not asleep.
Her mind was at ease
for she had a plan A through Z.
I look up to her-
the me from the past.
She was smarter-
she never skipped class.
Maybe one day
the broken me that took over
will step down and give way
for the old me to bring order.