Bits and Pieces

the smart girl

"But you're so smart."

"It's not hard for you."

"Why didn't you get an A? You're smart!"

words like these

circle in her head

memories of years passed

the guilt that comes

with what she considers failures

when in truth

she tries her best

but everyone expects more

because she is

'the smart girl'

and they don't see anything else

they don't see

the sting in her eyes

when she doesn't meet those expectations

the many conversations 

she's had about 

her own expectations of herself

expectations created from years of being

'the smart girl'

but now

now she can see the truth

she has pushed through

her fears

her high expectations

and she has realised something

that she is still

'the smart girl'

but the meaning is different

she tries her best

and that is enough

x