Claire

You hope for my demise,
but I refuse to fall.

You push me,
but I refuse to stay down.

You want to see me broken,
but I refuse to give you the satisfaction.

Hurt me a in million ways,

and shatter my heart,

then send me away

with an open scar.

Pull me in close,

then rip us apart.

Kill all my hopes

to get what you want.

What I wish adults would understand

is that teenagers are just trying to find their place

in this messed up world.

Mom, I'm not trying to be rude to the house guests.

Dad, I can't help my neurodivergence.

always carry your keys between your middle and ring finger 

never have your wallet visible 

don't listen to music in public 

everyone's a stranger 

you're our child; don't scare us. 

I promised you I would always stay,

swore on a bond I thought would never break.

Then came a time everything conflict

but I meant every word, every bit of it.

i’m shaking. 

i’m in tears. 

i’m hugging my pillow so tight i can barely feel my arms, 

my heart is pounding in my ears