Caterpillar

the blue denim reveals
the white high-ankle socks that
remains itchy on my skin and
as my backpack rolls behind me I
feel the stares and hear the whispers.
I feel so unwanted.

there are no laughs to welcome me,
there are no hugs to warm me
my clothes don't fit me right,
my hair is bland and dull and
I laugh too hard.

engaging in conversation or
trying to be heard I escape to
my music and wait for praise that
only comes from my mentor and it's
never good enough.
I want to be accepted.

no real friends are here.
no real love is felt here.
and at any moment of escape I
run for it and fail. Dirty and Sweaty,
I try to hide the embarrassment that's my life.

Little did I know I was a caterpillar,
growing growing growing
and in a chrysalis,
hiding hiding hiding
and I would emerge, not only beautiful-
but accepted.