Youth

What does it mean to be youthful?
Thigh gaps, bright eyes and long hair
Long eyelashes that curve
Perfectly at the ends
But-don't-you-dare-ask-if-they're-real
Unnaturally natural, dark lips
White teeth
The vision of social perfection
Not youth

Youth is the uncontrollable laughter that turns into a snort
Which, of course, makes you laugh harder

Youth is the genuine smile when someone remembers your name
Even if they did pronounce it wrong

Youth is the fluttering in your chest when you look through your photos
Back when you loved yourself enough to wear a bikini

Youth is not self-conscious
Youth is not apologetic
Youth is not humble
Youth is not dictated by the world