Out of Place

I walk through the halls
of my public high school`
my head held hight
and I see people stare
because
I stick out
I'm out of place
not in my element

I look around
my eyes are wide
and take in everything
because this is new
this is different
and so
I observe

I want to take in
every detail
and analyze
every face
I am here to learn
about our society
and the people
that make it up

I know
I am out of place
like a fish
out of water
but I can adapt
unlike a fish
I will overcome

Though I will adapt
I promise myself
I will not become
a robot
I will continue
to be the girl I was
before I came here
and not become
like the world around me