That Dictionary...

that book with the used spleen

look at the highlighted tabs

find the one labeled “just for me”

it’s between the letters F and D

it rhymes with affect

but also protect

it’s a verb that every parent does

and it’s the word that every child knows

Expect.

the limits and obligations parents set

not knowing it pressures their child

affecting their attitudes making them especially riled

expectations are everywhere

within homes, jobs, and society

I nor you can run from it

it underlies in the rules and policies

expected to get all A’s or that 4.0

not asking about how my emotions go

from up to down all in one day

but instead “Did you make that due date?”

people in authority over me have individual wants and desires

but they convey to me that they are goals I should acquire

trying to live my life

not knowing I already had plans

but being the expected child that I am

I take their “goals” for serious consideration,

eventually taking their hand

now that I’m about to be on my own,

independent and out of the house

you seem it’s a good time to hear

my own feelings and doubts

honestly isn’t it a little late

you should’ve asked

when I was imaginative

probably about eight

but I’ll handle it and make do

because that’s what you’ve always expected me to do

really not wanting to waste your earnings

but I feel this is my only chance in self soul searching