girls know growing up as a girl can be gruesome. 

expected to mature, expected to look a certain way, act a certain way,

     talk a certain way, sit a certain way, walk a certain way

don't dance too much, smile, but don't smile too much

    bring in the tea, clean the house, cook the food, 

my essence serves to please.

I AM INDEPENDENT! I AM CONFIDENT.

    I try to scream as I reteach myself what it means to be a girl.

         to me, it means I can't please the world. 

I can just be me. and I am proud.