You do not strive for greatness
You strive for perfection

But perfect
Isn’t perfect enough

You don’t need a break and are not allowed mistakes
For you are strong enough

Smile
Say goodmorning
No matter the lie

Don’t cry
Sit straight
Don’t yell
No rough music
Be a good girl

For we only want the best for you

•~•

I mustn’t settle for greatness
I must strive for perfection

But don’t stop there
No matter how delusional it sounds

Breaks and mistakes are not tolerated
They think I’m strong enough

Smile
Say goodmorning
No matter the lie

Don’t cry
Sit straight
Don’t yell
No rough music
Be a good girl

Put yourself in the mold your parents made for you

I used to know
What I was
I was perfect
As close as I could be
Smart, kind, mature

When I ******* up
I would beat myself
Until I was so sick
Of being me
Because I was perfect

Barely breathing
Over thinking
Not quite healing
From everything I did
To myself

Now, I'm a mess
I'm not perfect
Like I thought I was
I hurt, ache, cry
Deeply, infinitely confused

I've twisted myself
Into a knot of consciousness
And the only one to blame
Is still
Me