Sometimes the growing pains
Are hard
Sometimes when you move on
It hurts
Put away childish toys
Friends have gone other ways
Even family
You love them
Still
You've changed
They resist
Don't like the evolution
Upsets the plans
Changes the rules
Don't you love me
As I really am?
The authentic
True
Real
Me?
Or only the hazy
Image
You had in your head
Of who you thought I was
Friend, daughter, cousin
Suddenly I am eight feet tall
Ogre
Threatening
Stunned by silence
Abandoned by your withdrawal
But my skin is shed
I spread my hood
And rise
And flick my tongue
Not to threaten
But to smell
To taste
Your curious presence
When you rear back
In alarm
I am startled
I see a cobra
Reflected in your eyes