Growing Pains

growing pains

sun on my skin in the morning

walking the Pompano Pier

dad in a pinch between hospital stints

mom took a job as cashier

growing pains

smell the Atlantic from uHaul

one thousand miles in the back

Bridge of Popeye we crossed in the night

the river beneath us was black

growing pains

I thought I’d be safe by now

from suffering caused by change

growing pains

the cancer she got on your birthday

acted like it wasn’t there

taught me to smile taught me denial

and I helped her shave off her hair

growing pains

I thought I’d be safe by now

from suffering caused by change

though I’m all grown up

it’s not enough

the tomorrows come

but yesterdays remain