a poem for the weird ones (spoken word)

I have a daughter.

She is beautiful & blonde, & eight

And just like any mother should,

I simply think she’s great.

The greatest thing, in fact

I’ve ever seen in all my life.

So, naturally, I want to shelter her,

and save her from all of the strife…

That comes,  when you’re feeling awkward & growing up.

Now, it isn’t obvious at a glance,

& most people couldn’t even chance,

 a guess

at why she feels slightly insecure at times.

I mean she’s as pretty as a flower

With wit & humor that could lighten any hour

She’s creative. Intelligent & bright…

So, it’s only natural that you might

Wonder, what,

in the whole wide world

Could make such a darling little girl

Think she’s “kind of weird”

The answer is actually

zombies.

Yes, that’s right,

Zombies…

And she Loves them.

I’m talking full on, brain-eating

Flesh-rotting zombies.

At a time when all of her friends

Are into princesses & fairies

Instead of sparkly tiaras & wings

My daughter, she is wearing

Her favorite,

“Have you seen my Zombie?” t-shirt.

So, because she is eight
& like I said,

Extremely smart,

she notices the differences that somehow

set her apart, from other kids her age.

And I know that these early trials,
are actively setting the stage...

for the really pivotal things that will come,

a few years down the road.

I want to ease her young mind & lessen her load, so I tell her…

“Who cares if everyone else likes princesses? Come on, fairies aren’t really that hip.

I mean think of it, you’re probably the only kid your age who will know how to survive if there’s a zombie apocalypse.

I know that you might feel different, but that‘s what I think is so great. You are brave enough to be yourself, and that’s pretty incredible for someone who’s eight.

If you were just like everyone else, then no one would be like you. And the world would be missing all of the funny & beautiful things that you do.”

So, to all other parents, I’ll say this… Actually, I am imploring,

Teach your children that the differences in all of us are what keep life from being boring.

And to all of the kids,

and the grown-up kids, who feel a little like a freak.

Love yourself & praise the things that make you so unique.

Never be afraid to unabashedly be yourself,

Because if you don’t, you’ll end up

being someone else.