Chronically Elle

Posting poetry is scary. But it is also something I have always dreamt of sharing. Poetry is art. The words are the paint, the pen is my brush, and this section of my blog will serve as the gallery. I hope you enjoy :).

This first poem is about the contradictory expectations placed on children growing up and trying to maintain the ‘good kid’ persona.

Be Respectful; be polite; break the silence by Elle Noecker

Be respectful; be polite; be quiet; raise your hand when you wish to speak; ask permission to use the restroom; stand in line, single file; don’t laugh too loud; make sure to show some enthusiasm; don’t smile too much– this is serious; would you please look happy for once?; respect your superiors; respect your peers; don’t talk while I talk, that’s disrespectful; don’t talk so much, that’s annoying; why are you so quiet?; “I wish your daughter would contribute her ideas more in class;” incorrect; give your classmates a chance; Be respectful; be polite; be quiet; be friendly; be social; make friends– a lot; take people under your wing; get along with everyone; be a friend to everyone; Okay, but where are my friends? Pick a partner for this project; Oh no. Please no; Make sure all group members contribute equally; Don’t do too much; Don’t do too little; Don’t take up space; I wish you would be more assertive; Be respectful; be polite; be quiet; Speak up, I can’t hear you; please don’t talk over me; just tough it out; the world is unforgiving; learn it the hard way; why didn’t you ask for help?; don’t hesitate to reach out; But you never respond?; Why didn’t you tell me sooner?; YOU NEVER REPLY; you’re so mature for your age; you’re an adult, it’s time to act like one; Be respectful; be polite; be quiet; You’re so humble; Have more confidence; stick up for yourself; stick up for others; hey, don’t be rude; learn to take a joke; be yourself; they might not like that; don’t care what others think; make sure to impress everyone; Wear what you want!; not that; do what makes you happy; maybe this isn’t for you; prioritize yourself; be selfless; if you say “no”, you will hurt their feelings; you need to learn to set boundaries; Be respectful; be polite; be quiet; always be honest; you should have kept that to yourself; if you stay true to your values, the right people will find you; Where is everyone?; think before you speak; you’re overthinking this; take a well deserved break; you should have been more productive; alone time is important; you’re so anti-social; make good choices!; learn to live a little; Repeat steps until–; until what? I lose my mind!?