I was the first born daughter of
two children.
Born 13 days early.
I learned early on
my parents know more than I do.
That I can’t see around the corner.
I know what it feels like to have nothing.
To have people think you are what they see.
To have friends with new clothes
complaining about what they didn’t get,
when you shop at thrift stores.
Begging for a shirt that is “only” five dollars,
when that five dollars could be a meal.
I know that true friends don’t make you
feel bad about yourself.
True friends don’t lie to you.
True friends don’t pressure you
and I know girls are cruel.
I’ve learned to cope with judgemental glares
of girls who are “better” than me.
I have learned to spend more time
with family then on homework
because family is there for me,
when I came home the 1st day of high school 
crying, screaming and refusing they were there.
“High school is the best four years of your life” they say,
but they don't know me,
they don't know I put walls up to protect myself
they don't know I have huge heart
they don't know me.