She* was dolled up, high heeled,
All smiley faced.
Beside her, a handsome date stood
He made her heart race.

I was forced to wear an ugly dress
And pinchy heels,
Discarded somewhere later in the night.
Oh right!
I was also made to bring a handsome date,
Did I mention that I wasn’t straight?

She danced.
Soon enough, everyone was in a trance.
Exhilirating, beer and boys
Her squad rejoiced.

I thought parties were cool,
Went to one that had a pool.
Turns out,
It was just hella loud.
At first,I was excited.
Now, I just wished I wasn’t invited.

She was blooming,
Just turned eighteen.
Fancy dinner and
The debutante, a stunner.
Could I be any farther?

I wanted a road trip with my friends
To somewhere cold.
We could open gates made of sand to unload.
Intimate, hidden
With drinks and memories
Tucked inside seashells
That resurfaced like waves.

Hands, skin, bones, muscle, vein, mole,
Her own soul, she gave
To a boy who loved her just the same.
Emotions spread, lapsed
Like vines, crawled, slow
But just as beautiful when its flowers bloomed.
Because baby, she waited for you.

I, on the other hand
At the ripe age of seventeen,
Still waiting for a queen,
My head between my knees
I realize I’m still hiding.
Mind, in constant doubt of naked skin,
Tradition and isolation
For now I am still abiding.

Tradition is a resonating nightmare
Wraps its fingers,
From the nape of your neck.
And after all this, I am still happy
Shaking my kaleidoscope,
I don’t need to fit in to feel complete.