Expectations

By Kelsey Johnson
Hartford High School, Grade 10

Expectations

I brought my report card home from school today.
The grades aren’t too bad, all A’s and B’s.
As I’m walking home on the newly paved road,
I wonder what my parents will say.

Their expectations are too great for me.
I always work really hard for my grades.
I’m usually up until midnight or later
Doing my advanced chemistry homework
But my parents never appreciate my effort.

I tried picking up some more advanced classes this semester
But they still do not appreciate my effort.

My hard work is being destroyed by the words
“You can do better, Johnny always did.”
My teachers expect me to be just like him
At academics, sports, too.

In his freshman year in high school,
He was a quarterback on the varsity football team.
My parents wanted me to play football
To be “just like him.”

I don’t want to play football!
I want to hang out with my friends on the weekends
And go to the mall
And buy cute little mini-skirts.
Not be on the football field with a bunch of
Smelly boys who have never heard of deodorant.

I can’t take it anymore!

The only thing we have in common is that we look the same.
Blonde-hair, blue-eyes.
We are two very different people
With very different dreams.

I want my own identity
Where I am not compared to anyone.

I want to be me!!