i learned
from a young age
how to rely upon
myself alone
a latchkey kid
with chores
homework
and zero adult
supervision

we didn’t know
any other way

generation x
was mostly neglected
running feral
until the street lights
came on so it is
no wonder they spend
the bulk of earnings
on childcare

we know what it
felt like to be
hungry and frustrated
fendingfor ourselves

it shaped us
into self reliance
taught us we
couldn’t depend on
anyone else

i don’t respect
anyone based on title
i respect those who
do what they say
i don’t coddle
i expect the same
from them as i
expect from myself

we fucked around
we found out
and we learned
at the expense of
our childhood
and we don’t ask
for assistance
unless it is the
only path forward