What's Wrong

Growing Up

growing up doesn't start

when you turn eighteen

you may not understand

but at ten, we did

we heard what words can do

we saw what happened to people

who were different

you say you're an adult and know better

but if so,

why do you keep saying the same thing?

you think you're joking

when you call us fat

or ugly, or weird

but not everything was meant to be funny

and you tore at us so young

ripping our confidence to shreds

laughing as we shoveled down a spoonful of sugar

sneering at our imaginations

because ten year olds just weren't mature enough

but clearly you knew better

and even when you asked us a question

you already *knew*

are you okay?

you say to a kid

who doesn't want to play outside

you hear yes

when we say no

what's wrong with you?

you say to an eleven year old

who won't eat her food

and you hear a monotone

n o t h i n g

but we are saying

please stop

and you think

we don't understand you

but your petty flaws

affect us kids too

and i wish it weren't true