Be yourself, but not like that

Be yourself, but not like that

"Be yourself, but not like that,

Do as I say, don't be a brat.

Be a good girl, soft and meek, 

Don't take up space, try being discreet.

Be yourself, but tone it down,

You're too brash, too bold. But smile, don't frown!

Your face, it says it all, you know?

Hide your emotions; they cannot show!

Be social, girl, but not intense. 

I mean, you're just too much - no offence!"

Your charm, your wit, your intellect, 

Means nought, their comfort trumps respect.

But what for us: the odd, the weird?

A girl who's different must be feared.

Some days it feels you can't fit in,

Some days it feels you just can't win. 

What if the mold they made is there to break? 

Rise up, we're here, don't be afraid. 

You may be odd, but you are you,

The best you there is, that much is true. 

One day they'll see, you're just enough, 

A diamond hidden in the rough.

So be yourself, yes, like that.

Defy the norms, embrace your path.

La Vie de Clauds // Claudia Barber