Growing up was constantly

Swimming

With no gills

In a pool of ice water

Always moving

Pursuing

The label of

Your perfect daughter

You love me, you applaud me

You know that I’m smart

But what happens when

Miss perfect

Stops playing her part?

Will you still adore me

If about me

You can no longer brag?

If I start speaking my mind?

Waving a more colorful flag?

If I center my values

Instead of padding your pride?

Would you say it’s fine

But then subtly

Toss me aside?

I know you like us

To lay low

Avoid making a racket

But now your little girl

Is trapped

In the tightest straitjacket

Your expectations linger

Unsaid

Like trash in the sea

So I don’t know if it’s you

Maybe it’s just me

But a pressure unsaid

Doesn’t make it unfelt

So no matter the source

I must untangle

The knot I’ve been dealt

You love me

Unconditionally

I think

But I wish

You would say it

Overtly

I need proof

How hard is it?

Come on please set me free!

Say that you’ll love me the same

If you can’t brag about me