You will be told how to be less
Except they won’t say it that way
They will tell you to
Play nice
Compromise
Make space
Make sure everyone is alright
And don’t make a scene

They will tell you to be
Pretty and cute
Kind and sweet
And smart
But don't show off
Or get big ideas

They will tell you to be
Popular and likeable
But modest and prim

They will tell you to be
So many claustrophobic impossible things

They are wrong
They don’t get to decide
Who you are
Or how you are

You are allowed to exist
If the space they leave
Isn’t the right size or shape
Give yourself permission
Take what you need
Be what you need

Give yourself permission
Be strong and smart
Play rough or messy
Show off
Have big ideas
Disagree
Be extreme
Or complicated
Or any of the things
You want to be

Protect yourself
Even when it means
You have to make a scene
Yell, argue or even scream
Please don't be afraid
Or do be afraid
But do it anyway

Next time they tell you
How to be
You are allowed to
Ignore them

NCL April 2019