Pull the laces tighter

A waist of 5 inches

No more

Get a ring on that finger

From a man with honor

Or you won't get your father's money

She cares

It’s like she felt the pain

In my heart

And understood it

All at once

She listens as

The words fall out of my mouth

I can’t tell what’s heavier on my shoulders 

The weight of my backpack 

Or the weight of the expectations

I don’t know what’s harder

Falling asleep at night