Public: Why Did No One Tell Me

Submission by: Molly, Washington

As a teen girl with autism and anxiety, I struggle with change. And what more significant change is there in a teen's life than the transition from childhood to adulthood?

I love to use poetry as a way to express my feelings, and my reflections on the transition to adulthood are no different. My poem, Why Did No One Tell Me, was written during a time of confusion over unspoken social rules that everyone around me seemed to understand. Thank you for reading, and enjoy!

Why did no one tell me

there's a right way to grow up?

Why did no one tell me

one day, skipping isn't allowed anymore,

to jump and cartwheel while I still can?

Why did no one tell me

soon I have to call her Mom

not Mama like I used to

and there's no space for me on her lap?

Why did no one tell me

to hide my stuffed animals before friends come over

because we're more "mature" than that?

Why did no one tell me

I'll have three tests in one day

but I can't complain

because next year I'll have more?

Why did no one tell me

I have to constantly check my appearance

fix my makeup and waste time

on things that I don't care about?

Why did no one tell me

smaller is better so

squeeze into those tiny clothes

because a lower number means a happier life?

Why did no one tell me

I'm supposed to feel exhausted

that we're constantly forced to bend

but heaven forbid we break?

Why did no one tell me

that this is normal-

just keep working

while the world crumbles around you?

Why did no one tell me?

Why did you not tell me?

Did you know?

Or did no one tell you - too?

With love,

Molly

Thank you Molly, for sharing your beautiful piece! If you liked this post and would like to read more of Molly's content, visit her own blog, Straight to the Heart!