I tried for so long to conform, to fit in the box that society has labeled as the “norm”
In my vain efforts, I somehow lost myself, confusion knocked at my door, I lost my reflection
For the person gazing back at me in the mirror was a stranger, barely resembling my former self…
Hair style acceptable, no trendy doo to raise eyebrows, and insight unwanted comments…
My clothing, much the same…I detested it, for it did not reflect my own quirky taste in fashion
It was boring, and I would no longer stick out in a crowded room, or raise eyebrows…
I liked raised eyebrows, I liked turning heads, I liked making fashion into a trendy clothed artform
My make-up was conservative…I now looked like the others, a cookie cutter face of complacency
In trying to conform to societal norms, I found me, beneath the layers of deceptive disguise…
The liberation that I gained in my discovery was profound, and enlightenment was my reward
For you see…I do not need to change myself, I need to be free to be who I am, not who you want…
In releasing myself from the deceptive bonds, I have reached the clarity of my own reality….
It is more important that I can free myself from the puppeteer of conformity…
I embrace the real me…and I don’t give a flip if I don’t fit in your box!
© Annette (Wengert) Tarpley
9/24/2023
Title suggested by Tré'Jhaun Dueberry
BIO: Annette Tarpley (USA) is an acclaimed award-winning poet, short story writer and published author. She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the literary world, publishing in various anthologies and gaining popularity on YouTube and TikTok. Annette is a co-author of the Amazon bestseller "Two Hearts," written alongside Sarfraz Ahmed. As the founder and administrator of the thriving Facebook group "The Passion of Poetry," she has fostered a community of over 92K international members. In 2022, she released The Passion of Poetry Group's very first anthology book, "Inked With Passion". Annette is preparing for the release of her third solo poetry book and has also ventured into children's literature with her debut book, "The Bird and the Dragonfly," published in June 2022. She showcases her versatility by exploring short stories, having all five of them published in books, and continues to contribute to various international anthologies. Annette's first debut book, "Poetry Potpourri," was widely received, selling several copies, and was heralded with excellent reviews. Annette also hosts a live webcast called POP Chat, bringing attention to other poets and writers, and has conducted over 70 interviews. Annette is a Staff Writer for Wildfire Publications Magazine and has had the honor of writers many forewords for authors books. Annette is the honorary member and USA coordinator and host for events for the Progressive Literary and Cultural Society of India. She has been featured on the cover and within a number of poetry magazines and journals. She has written many forewords, prefaces, literary reviews and introductions for other poets and authors. Annette is highly acclaimed in the literary/poetry community and has received much respect and adoration for her leadership and innovative ideas. She has been interviewed on numerous occasions and continues to be a widely sought out guest and is featured in many poetry events. Her group “The Passion of Poetry” on Facebook grew 50K members in 3 months May-August of 2023 and is one of the largest poetry sites on Facebook. September of 2023, she built and launched a stand-alone website “POP-Star Poetry which publishes poets works. She is currently working on publishing her 2nd solo book, “Poetry Menageries” slated to be published the end of 2023. She also ha so begun writing her 1st fiction novel, “The Ballad of Ned” based on a poem she wrote about bullying.