I want to wake up in the morning and get ready for elementary school again
I want my mom to brush my hair back into a high ponytail
Or put on my favorite headband for the 3rd time that week
Feel the fabric of my favorite sequence mermaid shirt
Eat delicious fruity pebbles and watch some episodes of Bubble Guppies
I miss those mornings.

I want to walk to the bus stop with my mom to see my bus friends who were always older
But they always felt like family to me
I want to hear the sound of the squeaking bus as it carefully approaches the sidewalk
Resting my head on the foggy, cold window that bounced my head like a ball
I want to wake up from my nap as I arrive at school
Remembering that we have a fun project planned for today
Turn in the super easy homework that only took me 10 minutes to do
Ace my spelling test that I and my mom carefully studied for
I miss when school was easy.

I want to help my mom pack my lunch–even though she normally did everything
A cold turkey sandwich without the crust
Apple slices and a cherry kool-aid jammer juice box
A bag of mini pretzels and a package of double-stuffed Oreo cookies
I miss those lunches.

I want to get called down to the office early to go to a doctor's appointment
Anxiously waiting for the quick–sharp pain of the shot
Getting a sticker and a lollipop while the nurses tell me that I’m very brave
Driving to Mc Donalds as a reward for being so good at the doctor
Getting a happy meal with apple slices and apple juice
Picking out a specific toy and enjoying the taste of warm chicken nuggets
And the delight of hot salty fries and cool smooth ketchup
I miss those doctor's appointments.

I want to reunite with my old friends and play those silly hand games
I want to see that classroom, those teachers, those hallways
The perfect breeze in the schoolyard during recess
Climbing monkey bars, swinging on the swings, racing down the slide
Falling down while playing tag and being amazing at hide and seek
I miss elementary.
I miss those mornings.
Why did I have to grow up?
Why couldn’t life stay the same?
When will I ever feel that excitement again?
Growing up sucks.