10 Years Ago by Phoebe Skok (17, Washington)

10 years ago, I was a gymnast. 
A dancer. 
A cheerful child 
soaring to new heights
in tap shoes and leotards. 

9 years ago, I was a reader. 
A witch. 
A daring demigod 
adventuring with Bilbo Baggins 
to escape the schoolyard monsters. 

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8 years ago, I was an actress. 
A diva.
A shining star
reciting monologues and scenes 
to become someone new. 

7 years ago, I was a suck-up. 
A teacher's pet. 
A self-important student 
latching on to her English teacher
in triumph and in strife.

6 years ago, I was a loner. 
A target. 
An exiled eccentric 
surviving ridicule and mockery 
with little more than a book. 

5 years ago, I was a worrier.
A questioner. 
A recovering recluse 
navigating middle school 
with a hesitant smile. 

4 years ago, I was a pretender.
An imposter. 
A mispronounced miscreant 
acting as though I didn't care
as I walked down the halls. 

3 years ago, I was a hoarder. 
A nostalgic. 
A terrified teen 
clutching onto the past 
as though it were the present. 

2 years ago, I was a survivor. 
A conqueror. 
An impossible image 
surprised by her continued existence 
because her mind wished otherwise. 

1 year ago, I was an explorer. 
A fighter.
A wandering warrior 
venturing to places unknown
because of a chance at life and love.

Now, I am all and none of those things. 

This year, I am a hermit. 
A prisoner. 
A lonely legacy 
remembering everything I didn't 
and wishing I did.

It's funny how everything or nothing can change in a decade.