The Small Things

The military child life can be a difficult one.

Most people understand the moving,

a parent’s deployment,

goodbyes that never seem to end.

But what they don’t always see

are the little things,

things that seem so small

until they’re a part of me.

Small changes

Like my braces,

taken off too early,

since a new orthodontist

means another payment

Even my smile

can be changed by a move.

Finding care 

Someone to do my thick hair,

I learned which styles would last,

until I found a new chair.

Searching for a professional stylist,

who could braid and straighten,

and that I could trust again.

Small little things

Like finding a new place for worshiping.

Somewhere the service isn't too long,

but the message still stings.

A place where I can listen,

feel understood,

and know that I belong.

Different flows

A new dance studio,

one with good ballet and pointe classes

A place where I feel like I can grow.

Teachers who care about my technique,

as much as they do my health,

so I can keep dancing on the tips of my toes.

Doing much more

Classes I had already worked for.

Not all my credits transferred.

Classmates move ahead,

I couldn’t be valedictorian

Even if I tried my hardest,

losing a big dream, a middle school girl swore.

That's what people don't always see.

Things that might not matter to everyone else,

but aren’t that small

when they're happening to me.