Almost adult

This is a collection of poems for the ones who are growing up but don't feel grown.
For the girls told to shrink themselves to be loved.
For the boys crying silently in dark rooms.
For the students drowning in expectations,
for the friends who feel alone even in crowds,
and for anyone who's ever asked, "Is this how life is supposed to feel?"

These words are not polished.
They are messy. Just like us.
But they are real.

Read them when your heart is heavy,
when your mind is loud,
or when you just want to feel seen.

You are not alone.