When you took me

I blow out twenty-eight candles and it hits me 

like a text book on a table. 

Golden light from a nearby lamp.

Red.

Soft voices and low laughter

Disgust.

The same age

The same age

I grew up

I broke free

I healed

Free from your gaze

but who is still caught within those hazel eyes?

I know I wasn't unique.

I wasn't the only one.

We're in reverse now: Benjamin Buttoning

But with none of the progress.

You're an old man now.

I'm the same age you were

When you took me

I'm in the same profession you were

when you took me

I teach students the same age I was

when you met me

But you're not me

And you'll never be.

I would never be like you;

You used me.

I would never use people like you

I protect people like me.

I'm free.