In third grade
I joined my school band
I was percussion,
the only one in my school
Lugging around my giant drum kit
I was different
But,
still an essential part of the band

Now, fast forward to seventh grade
I joined my school field hockey team
I was the goalie
The only one on my team
Lugging around my giant bag of gear
I was different
But,
still an essential part of the team

These parallels stick out to me
Clearly, it's a statement

I desperately crave that team
group
sense of belonging

Yet,
at the same time
...
I want that independence
I want to be different
I want my own little niche
...
It's amazing how much poetry
can give you an insight
into yourself