Just Being Me

A struggle every teen faces

Designer clothes and handbags, and brand-name shoes,

Just the right kind of makeup and hair products too,

My shopping bag shows what I’m trying to prove

-That I’m just as good as Sue.

 

An hour spent on my makeup and hair

And another deciding which outfit to wear,

I still need to pick the perfect pair of shoes

-To show I’m just as stylish as Claire.

 

All day, I try to blend right in,

Laughing or rolling my eyes on cue,

Hoping that by now all the girls know

-I’m just as fun as them.

 

All afternoon, I practice with the team

Getting better and better with each drill that I lead,

Surely today all my coaches will say

-That I’m just as talented as Lindsey.

 

I study and study till my brain feels fried,

But I must be ready for a test the next day

So then my outstanding score can cry

                    -I’m just as smart as that smarty-pants Faye.

 

Then I fall in bed, tears falling from my eyes,

Exhausted from trying not to be myself

And, suddenly, I almost wish that all the world would realize

-I’m not just like everyone else.

 

Maybe fitting in isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,

Maybe being just like them is only making me a mess.

And maybe, could it really be? . . . yes,

-I’m good enough just being me.

Author's Note

My first poem I have ever shared on here!

Reviews

[Grace Marie]

I agree that the honesty of this poem makes it a wonderful read. Its well written too, probably my favorite piece of your writing. There are a few parts where its a little choppy though. I'd suggest going through and reading it out loud to yourself so you can hear anything that sounds a little off. It's really easy to miss small errors like that when you're just looking at the words instead of hearing them. also try to remove any useless words. for example, in the first line you use the word and twice when you only need it once. I hope you find this helpful, and keep up the good work :)

[Jessica]

Why thank you. I welcome constructive criticism! Thanks so much.

[Grace Marie]

glad i could help :)

[Anahat]

You poured out the truth so easily with such beautiful words..
Lovely write...
Love Anahat :)

[Jessica]

Why thank you, Anahat. I appreciate it!

[Hope]

I like the honesty behind it.

[Jessica]

Well, thank you. I think it's something everyone can relate with.

[Rene Salinas]

Well and there is an intrinsical commonest and opennness that is difficult not to relate to. Oh them days where security was driven by the opinions of others. Oh the time spent on, in my case looking bad to look good. The first time I shaved my hair I got thrown out of class after about 15 minutes I did not even make it throw one class. Anglicans do not take lightly dress code at school. Which of course in my case made me keep pushing. And in your journey although I would not recommend in you case the shaving I can see a different frame of thought which is to try and try until exasperation or wisdom you arrive at the point that you will always be just you.

And that's why we like you

Thankyou

[Jessica]

Yes, how true that there are different frames of mind for each person. Yet we all struggle with this same fundamental problem. Interesting thought. Thank you for your first comment...I really want my writing to be relatable. Thanks for reading and reviewing! :)