"Sit up straight and

"Sit up straight and don't slouch,"

That comment made me act like a grouch.

"Cross your legs so boys don't look,"

I was full of fear and always shook.

"That's not how ladies act,"

I had an attitude, and that's a fact.

Why do I have to be anything but me?

I just want to be free.

Why are the expectations so high?

All it took was a little lie.

Why did I have to grow up?

I'm so fed up.

But I learned,

I sat up straight,

I was no longer filled with hate.

I crossed my legs so the boys wouldn't look,

I buried my nose in my book.

I started acting like I should,

I learned to do all the things I should.

I will never stop being me,

I have always been free.

I will exceed expectations,

I've given myself the right foundations.

I am not afraid to grow up,

I already have.