Perception Spring 2023

Mature but not Grown
Yasmin Nayrouz
When I was twelve
I was told I was mature for my age
Spoke nicely, politely, concisely
Used my manners and said a smart phrase
Found politics and books exciting
Education enlightening
When I was twelve
I was labeled: mature
And I believed it
Didn’t see the need to grow anymore
So I sped through my teenage years
Always on the cusp of letting myself make mistakes
But I was way too mature to make
So with my nose in the air I’d walk away
When I turned twenty
I realized: I’m not mature
Not developed—Always unsure
A bit misinformed
By a pair of youthful lens that I outgrew
But still wore
I haven’t seen the ugliness of the world
I sheltered myself in this bubble of “mature”
A mature person wouldn’t do this or that
Go here or there
Take risks and make mistakes
When I turned twenty
I finally matured
But not fully
At my own pace
Life is not a race
I will determine how I age
I’m still learning to walk with grace
As I gift myself patience and understanding
And hope others do the same
88 | Perception
Baby Steps
Madeline Sloyer | Screenprint
Spring 2023 | 89