Writing

i go to school these days & i'm scared i'll get shot

earbuds always in, trying to drown out my thoughts

fall to the ground, let it all float away

look me in the eyes & i'll believe every lie you say

We are Gen-Z 

Even if you don't think so.

We are here even if we 

Pretend we’re not.

We are matter.  

We take up space.

We are important 

Even if we don't think we are. 

Oh-

Punctured the main artery, sunsets flowing down your ribcage, dull frantic thud-

I’ve done it again,

Left an empty hole in the middle of your chest

Maybe there was something there before

Did you ever know how much your pain hurt me?

That it haunted my sleep?

That I tried to feel it?

That I cared even then?

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.

Legally I am an adult.

18 going on 19.

According to most,

I still am a teen.

According to most,

I don’t seem like 18.

According to me,

I don’t think I’m ready to be an adult.