Once

Once, I had a friend

And it was amazing
I could be wholly, truly, entirely me

Without boundaries
Without fear
Without censure

I was defenseless

But it was okay
It was good
Better than good

Happy or sad
Silly or serious
Brave or scared
Weak or strong

All of me was accepted
Encouraged
Cherished

Until the day it changed

And my friend was my friend no more

My moods – grated
My presence – annoyed
My ideas – spurned

My happiness withered
Died
Disappeared with the forbidden treasure of friendship

Personality reined in
Thoughts contained
Humor hidden

Back behind the walls

Thicker
Higher
Stronger

Yes, I had a friend

Once