An Inventory of Being

I am Viola King,
14-year-old music major,
and this is my story.1

I am one with my art.
It flows through my veins
And it is a part of me—
But it does not complete me.
Frankly,
I don’t know what does.2

Here is what I do know:3

I am a daughter, sister, student and friend.
I have blondish hair (that drives me crazy)
And bluish eyes (that I adore),
But my feet are too small,
My nose is too big,
And I’m much too short for my liking.4

I’m a cynical pessimist,
But I try not to show it.
Instead,
I pretend to adapt
And “play it cool”
And look like I know what I’m doing.
(I don’t think it’s working.)5

I enjoy learning languages,
Especially the Romantic ones.
English is decent too.6

My favourite thing
In all the world
Is intertwining my passions
In a delicate weave of melody and lyric:
A ballad or an upbeat tune,
Or even a rock-inspired musical complaint
About the world around me.7

I am a closet sci-fi geek,
But I try
(Try!)
To keep that a secret.
I don’t think Ender’s Game
Is really all that terrible either.
Don’t tell anyone.8

I like peanut butter
But I hate peanuts.
I think “dating” is pointless,
Although I find dates quite entertaining.9

Love is a phone call
That begins with “How are you?”
Instead of “What’s up?”.
Friendship is walking side by side
Instead of in a large group.
I cherish both.10

But11

I don’t know why I’m here.
I don’t know what I want.
I don’t know what I believe in.
I don’t know where I’m going
After this whole “high school” thing
Is over and done with.
And while I have order,
I have no discipline.
(Thanks to Aidan Chambers
For teaching me the difference.)12

I don’t know what completes me.
I don’t know if I ever will.13

All I know is:
I am Viola King,
14-year-old music major,
And my story has just begun.