I Am A Child

Written from personal experience

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I Am A Child

I am a child

I do not know why your stares linger

As I hurry away

I do not know why your head turns

As I walk by -

Why strangers call

As I walk hastily forward

Scared of what may happen if I delay

I am a child

This isn’t right

It isn’t right that I am the one blamed

It isn’t right that I am shamed for the clothes I chose

Or the shoes I wear

Don't use it as an excuse!

For if I wear long pants, shorts, skirts or a dress

I am a child 

My clothes are my own

In this world

How much farther must we fall before we get help!

I am a child

And when I am judged for what I wear

At an age so young

I can tell,

That they seem to think

I am a child no more

Reviews

[kitty blur]

I feel a lot of feminist vibes from this poem and I can completely relate. Having the blame put on the person who just wants the freedom to wear what they want (and do what they want, etc) without collecting unwarranted thoughts and opinions is really rough. It is so damaging to self-esteem and self-image (believe me, I've been there). I apologize if that is not what your poem is really about, but that's what I took from it based upon my own experiences growing up.

About the structure of the poem itself: I think the repetition of the phrase "I am a child" and the conclusion where "they seem to think [you] are a child no more" was a really powerful combination and a good way to wrap up the poem. It felt complete. If I had a critique, it may be that I'm not exactly sure who you were talking to in this poem. Was it the person staring, or the people catcalling? Was it the administration (I assume the setting is a school)? Or was it simply everyone in this country?

Really nice read, though. :)