Claire

What I wish adults would understand

is that teenagers are just trying to find their place

in this messed up world.

Mom, I'm not trying to be rude to the house guests.

Dad, I can't help my neurodivergence.

always carry your keys between your middle and ring finger

never have your wallet visible

don't listen to music in public

everyone's a stranger

you're our child; don't scare us.

I promised you I would always stay,

swore on a bond I thought would never break.

Then came a time everything conflict

but I meant every word, every bit of it.

i’m shaking. 

i’m in tears. 

i’m hugging my pillow so tight i can barely feel my arms, 

my heart is pounding in my ears 

They tell me I can trust them with anything.

They tell me not to hide.

They tell me that they won't tell anyone.

But...

They never think about why I can't trust them.

They never think about why I hide.

My father texted me on Valentine's day 

Three years ago I would've responded

But this year I asked who it was

I had deleted his contact 

I don't regret it 

Because my dad died years ago