The instructor said,

 

Go home and write

A page tonight,

And let that page come out of you--

Then, it will be true.

 

How simple is this?

I am 55.

Not in age, but how I’m defined.

I am also 3.6.

Have you caught on?

My academics are what

I am truly based on.

 

College this college that,

But no one really cares.

I am dying inside

my bed is covered in my hair…

The stress eats me alive,

But I am expected to smile,

Have two jobs,

play two sports,

but don’t be hostile.

 

Respect your elders... and your teachers

They’re superior to you

Who cares if their brains are as big as a screw

Their beliefs are uncultured but sit there in silence

If you need help with your problems,

take it to guidance.

Don’t feel, but have emotions.

You’re supposed to be happy.

If you say something kind

You’re being too sappy.

Look like this,

No.

Look like that.

If you eat ice cream you’ll get too fat.

You worked out for two hours?

Say that’s good for a girl.

But, I did four--Squatted 200

almost hurled.

 

Make time for yourself

But go out with friends

Spend time with family,

You don’t know their end.

When that day comes

Show the world you’re okay

Make a facebook post every other day

 

We’re influenced by music.

Drugs, hoes, and money.

So I shouldn’t be offended when boys call me honey.

We live in a culture of rape and violence

Teaching girls to be afraid

And to sit in silence.

If you don’t have sex,

You’re simply a prude

Good thing VSCO is a home for nudes.

 

Join some clubs,

Make it worthwhile

Your future is based on when you’re juvenile.

Who cares anyways?

I’m just a female.

My pay is unequal,

Take a step back, take a deep breath and…

Exhale

There’s nothing you can do.

That’s just the way it is.

For now put your stuff away and take this pop quiz.

I stare out the window,

At the clouds above.

Where is my life going?

How do I love?

We’re taught arithmetic and science,

But never how to feel.

Emotions are everyone’s strongest appeal.

I can’t stay focused.

But my grades are what’s important.

I am 55, 3.6

When did this all become foreign?