“How does it feel to be 17?”
i plaster a smile on my face
“Growing up feels like a lot, but I’m taking it day by day.”
by “a lot,” i mean
seeing my older friends go to college
wondering what the distance will bring
every conversation i have is about the future
the SAT, applications, future universities
i’m exhausted from the stress
and everyone else seems so tired of me
i’m simultaneously finding myself
and losing her in a sea
of failed tests and lack of energy
i now hesitate to write
i’m worryingly obsessed with being right
my knees bounce under my desk
how much longer can i keep it all compressed?
“How does it feel to be 17?”
honestly, you tell me
to you, do i look fine?
cause 17 has just been
standing strong
and acting
wise
while feeling
weak
and falling
behind