A.J.
Certain things have driven me crazy
All these useless and crappy things you want me to see
You said you see yourself in me.
How could that be?
We’re terribly different and we’re not even that close.
You enjoy yourself with tea parties and planting a rose.
You’re totally nuts about Beethoven and Mozart’s musical,
Playing every day their minor songs and all.
I love rock and pop music for all you know,
But you always pit it off after shouting at me that is so.
I always wear my own simple clothes and simple shoes
But you insist on making me wear that leather pricey boots
I love painting nature at its stillest moments
But you arranged a classical piano lesson which for me, is a predicament.
I love dancing to the up beat tunes of hip hop music
But you made me join a ballet lesson that immensely hurt my feet.
I endured all these social behaviors of yours
But one night changed everything, of course.
You made me wear that stripy satin gown
And three-inched black stilettos. (Goodness, I just wanna drown!)
“Behave yourself and show to my friends how sociable and prim you are.”
You whispered to my ear.
“Mom, I can’t. I’m not who they think I am. I don’t wanna front.”
I whispered back, delaying the tears.
“I see myself in you, honey. I was once a good pianist, socialite, passionate
and dedicated child.” You said.
“But I’m not you, mom.” I reasoned then.
“You are me. You have no choice but to be like me. I’m presenting you
to my friends and colleagues right now. They must see how you are like me.”
You said earnestly.
Tears now filled my eyes…
Why can’t you understand this right?
Defending my own identity made me decide
I had to end this pretentious strife.
I changed my clothes to the real me.
I wore on comfortable rubber shoes too
I removed all traces of heavy make-up
Took my bass guitar and a rock song began to start.
Every guest turned to look for that ear-ringing sound
And found the Estee Lauder Cosmetics’ president’s daughter with that guitar.
“Before y’all decide to make me the next president
of the Estee Lauder Cosmetics, you need to know who I really am.
Not as the president’s daughter. Not as the company’s heiress.
Not as the valedictorian’s sister. Not as the Ambassador’s niece.
Not as Miss Alexandra Juliana Montgomery, but as the real me. A.J.”
Now, I don’t need to front and hide my identity anymore.
‘Cause this is me, myself and I, so better just deal with it.
