Wake Up Call

I wasn’t properly loved.

So my emotional intelligence

developed through negligence.

You learn fast that way.

Not because you’re gifted—

but because you have to be.

You grow up knowing you’re beyond good enough

and still get rejected.

Beyond good enough

and still unaccepted.

That’s the part that messes with you.

When effort doesn’t equal belonging.

When worth doesn’t guarantee safety.

You start asking the wrong question.

Not am I enough?

But am I too much?

Too present.

Too aware.

Too intense for people who only know how to meet you halfway.

That’s when the voice changes.

Not cruel.

Not loud.

Just firm.

Mr. J. Elahi—

sir.

It’s time to get up.