Peer Pressure

you are not them, little one.
feel not their pressure,
cave not under disparaging gaze
and act not as they do.

i can remember your curls,
free falling over plaid dresses
you were always the prettier
while i curled up with a book.

now they are bound, stretched
up high with your ego
in a brand name shirt
and a rah-rah skirt.

you are not them, little one.
you are as i am,
exotic flower in the english cold,
and i miss your sunshine.