I was a member of a group
But they saw I was different, and overpowered me with a social coup
For I had a better memory, spoke certain words, mentioned obscure facts
And I received strange looks, since that is how a computer acts
Their nods of understanding turned false and empty
I wanted to discuss anything where amounts of information were plenty
My classmates stopped learning from shared experiences
And walls were built as they shut me up with mental fences
Nowhere could I walk
But I was shunned for my “meaningless” talk
Shouted down for correcting a wrong
And unconsciously resisting joining this purposely ignorant throng
Enjoying a good book
Is against the rules and earns me an unnerving look
Where slang is the most
Conviction one can throw into a boast
I sit in a metaphorical corner
Becoming a contemplative mourner
For my lost status
And my popularity under permanent hiatus
A nerd am I
Who speaks her self-evident truths rather than repeated, stretched lies
I did choose to open my trap
And now I like Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, am not the button on Fortune’s cap
Oh, brilliant, there I go
You’d think by now I should know
That knowledge cannot win in this high-stakes game
To regain the credibility of my illustrious name
I must dull myself down
Make comments about some girl’s prom gown
I swear that I’ll stop writing this piece
And beg for acceptance on hands and knees
But this betrayal of myself will haunt me forever
As I give up on my endeavor
To love the random genius in my head
And care about cheap jokes instead
I’ll swear and scoff and sneer
At literary and historical figures I no longer endear
For I care about myself more
And the clothes and shoes in my closet?
I can’t remember why they used to mean nothing
I’m like them now, different from who I was
With a cell phone and money to spend as well
I’m better now, can’t you tell?