You’ll grow up with the need to seek attention from those who mean the least to you
For a status that will mean nothing in a few years time
All for a title and name that is insignificant and formed on the basis of validation
You’ll alter parts of yourself to appease to the greater mass
Cut your hair because it’s what everyone besides yourself wants
Wear tighter clothes to gain recognition from boys in the hallways
Attend parties for the mere sake of being noticed
Befriend those you have nothing in common with
Dumb down your intellectuality to seem relatable
See your reflection in the mirror only to resent it
Hate yourself because you've seemingly become everything you detest

This one’s for you
For failing to see the beautiful parts in yourself and embracing them
You are everything you ever needed to be long before they told you to change

-c. alejandra