They said be good
and showed me the rules.
They told me to learn
and follow instructions.
They said be good
and handed me books.
I learned to read
and found a way out.
They said be good
and dropped me off
with friends.
An escape from the never ending cadence.
They said be good
and I learned the loopholes.
I found ways around
the rules that sat over my head.
They helped me move in
and left with be good
ringing around the room.
I was alone and impulsive.
Be good they said.
I got a piercing the next day.
I didn't tell them
until I went home.
They said be good,
get good grades,
and do well in school.
Don't disappoint us.
You told me it was okay,
but you still dropped me
off with a be good
echoing in my head.
Be good I thought
as I let myself
fall into a reckless version
of the angel you knew I could be.
Be good, and I was.
I was good at school,
telling the truth,
and then I learned.
I can be good
and still be young.
I didn't need to grow up fast,
I could have some fun.
Be good I whispered
to myself as I walked
through the doors
and towards a chair.
I still tell myself to
be good,
even when I'm
being impulsive.
I know that things
are wrong and
I'm trying to make
everything be good.
As I turned to the door,
I stopped and turned
back to the three faces behind me
and whispered be good.
I sent a wink in their direction
and closed the door behind me.
They'll be good, I thought.
They'll be good at being themselves.