The Rules That Replaced Wonder

Wearing the social mask. 

The business smile. 

Being polite just because society tells you to.

Engaging in conversations, 

pretending to care about the topic. 

Acting interested. 

Performing connection.

All the things you learn as you grow older.

They call it adulthood. 

But it feels more like putting a lid on your own feelings 

and living by someone else’s script.

Open the lid, 

and you’re deemed antisocial, 

rude, 

hard to interact with.

It’s an uncomfortable place to be.

How I miss my childhood. 

Carefree. 

Saying whatever came to mind. 

Curious about everything. 

Full of energy to challenge anything.

Even when the day didn’t go well, 

it was only a sleep away. 

By morning, 

the mind reset. 

Clear. 

Happy. 

Ready to try again.

Most of us, as we grow older, 

wish we could go back to the start. 

Not to escape responsibility

but to remember who we were before the world taught us to perform.

To remind us not to forget who we truly are 

I used to think growing up meant freedom.

No more boundaries set by my parents. 

But that was the real freedom

the playground they gave me, 

where I could be wild, 

do stupid things, 

and face barely any consequences.

Now I’m on my own. 

And I have to play my role. 

Even if it means wearing a smile 

that doesn’t belong to me.

As for you,

Don't allow the wickedness of this world feel normal, and lose yourself