I can’t get out of the bedroom.
I can’t go through the door.
I can’t get out of the bedroom,
‘Till I count to thirty four.

It starts when I’m feeling anxious.
The numbers calm me some.
It helps when I’m counting to thirty four
If I also start to hum.

I’m humming and counting, then tapping my foot,
Gets added to the mix.
When anxiety gets the best of me
I use my routine to fix

These thoughts, they are always running
Round and round in my head.
Rather than focusing on these sounds
I do my routine instead.

So, counting and humming and tapping along
Thirty two, thirty three, thirty four.
As I get to the magic number
My hand’s moving toward the door.

And then I walk out to start my day
Taking my numbers along.
When I need them they’re always with me
Along with my humming song.

We all find ways to function
In this world that’s hectic and vast.
My numbers and humming help slow things down
When my mind is moving too fast.

I just want to wear a nice dress to school
Now what is the problem with that?
Girls are allowed to wear pants every day,
And all kinds of kid wear a hat.

But adults have this thing about dresses.
Boys can’t wear them,  is what I’ve been told.
Who makes up these rules for who can do what?
What happens when people get old?

What is the reason that grown-ups are scared
When kids do not all act the same?
Could they be afraid of losing control?
Is order the name of the game?

I just want to wear a nice dress to school.
Chill out, I like to look dressy.
And people, a dress is not a big deal.
It’s the rest of life that is messy.