l used to be attractive
as lovely as a flower,
l know looks fade away
with every filthy hour.

l used to drink some alcohol
quite regular, in fact;
it was pointed out to me
l didn't know how to act.

l used to be ambitious
impatient as l was,
now l've time to criticize
what everyone else does.

l used to care so deeply
when others seemed to hurt,
now others say horrible things
and make me feel like dirt.

l used to be worthwhile
until she turned her head,
tried not to let it bother me
'twas something that she said.

l used to be that someone
she said she'd get used to,
then her expectations
seemed to swell, and sort of grew.

l used to be ridiculously
interested in true love,
l actually used to be the one
who used to need a "shove".

l used to be quite able
so others gave a damn,
then in my reflection
l saw how old l am.

l used to be creative
found ways of having fun,
now l am relentlessly
trying to get things done.

l used to be so different
from people l would see,
now l'm used to cringing
when each image mirrors, me.

l used to say l'd never get
used to my own ways,
now l can't get used to
the latest fad, or craze.

But, what l can't get used to
hurts the most, or so it seems....
...it's having to see the hurt inside
eyes denied their dreams.