I'm told to be soft.

Not too much makeup, 

Not too much skin,

Not too much talking,

Not too much you.

Be a lady, with soft pink lips and soft pink hips,

With soft pink skin and soft pink din in your ear that keeps your mouth shut as soft pink ribbons twist and tie around your soft pink lungs and your soft pink tongue. 

Shhhh.

Who am I behind the soft pink filter?

I am the black eyeliner your mom told you not to wear.

I am the clothes that are too revealing for boys to handle in school.

I am the gum under your shoes and the flaws in your skin.

I am the line between failure and success, choas and creation.

I am not black and white, sit still and be pretty.

I am not sepia, smile for me.

I am not soft pink.