When someone sees pictures of me

in girl mode

for the first time,

the reaction is always the same.

“You look so happy,” they say

with delighted surprise,

as if I move through my daily life

like Eeyore.

I understand it though.

When I look and feel like my true self,

I have an undeniable glow.

 

I like to think

that if my family

knew my potential

for a more joyful life,

they would do whatever it takes

to help me get there.

 

They think I’m fine,

wearing boring boy clothes,

working a job I hate,

pretending every day.

If I try to protest,

their reaction will be,

“But you look so happy.”