Choosing Who I Am Poem by Julie Neises

Only last year began
my frail social life.
All the new people to meet,
all the mood-swings, delight to strife.

The outings came around
as each dressed their best.
It seemed every night
was a popularity test.

Boys and girls
traveled in packs.
Worried about
'running the track.'

When they paired off
two by two.
You wondered
who would ask you.

Those days
were all too crazed.
As winter nights
turned to summer days.

I would never
go back there.
Where my only concerns
were shoes and hair.

Now I know
where I belong.
And changing that
would feel wrong.