Allison

They are running away

They would go to college this year

If their parents would offer

As much support as they are funding

“They” does not always mean “Many”

They are one person; why is that

So hard for others to understand

Why won’t people call them

A name that it theirs, not from birth?

They are seventeen, the same as I

But they will meet other runaways,

Younger, thirteen, twelve

Because of the parents who said

“You are too young to understand

Who you are.”

They would not do this if they could

Be called their name, wear the clothes

They feel comfortable in, but instead

Of waiting through another year

Of discomfort and dysphoria to become

An adult, they are running away

To the bridge, where the river awaits them.