The sun is blazing hot today.

You met a boy at school. He is as brown as you are, and he has the same hair as you. You wonder what your children would look like.

He says all the right things. You blush as butterflies stir in your stomach.

He tells you that you are beautiful, and you believe him.

People tell you to use your surname and the color of your skin as a shield for opportunities. You can’t help but wonder if those same qualities are what made this boy notice you, or if it was simply your personality.

You don’t care.

You just want him to choose you.

Silly girl.

Your mother warns you that if you have a boyfriend, she will be furious.

Knowing the rage your mother carries, you should not take that warning lightly.

But you don’t care.

You just want to be chosen.

Silly girl.

The next day, you see him talking to another girl.

He looks into her eyes that way he looked into yours.

He touches her the way he touched you.

Your heart drops, and your whole body feels as though it is collapsing.

You wonder what is wrong with you.

You wonder why your beauty wasn’t enough to keep his attention.

You tell yourself you were never enough.

Perhaps you were only there until someone else came along.

You cry to your friends, and they hold you while reminding you that he isn’t worth your tears.

You think about your mother.

You want your mommy.

But you already disobeyed her for some foolish boy.

Silly girl.

It is Friday already.

He wants nothing to do with you.

You let that sink into your hardheaded brain.

He walks past you.

You keep your eyes on the ground.

He smirks and laughs with his friends.

Your heart aches.

They’re laughing at you.

Silly girl.

“It’s okay,” you tell yourself.
“Everything will pass.”
And everything does pass.
Now…

you are no longer

that silly girl.

Questions to Think About

What themes stood out to you most as you read this poem?

Who do you think is saying “Silly girl”, and why?

Do you think this poem is about heartbreak, self-worth, or something else entirely?

What role do you think the mother represents in the poem?