The Depressed Cheerleader: Who am I?
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I often wish I was a bird so away from my problems I could fly
Or maybe a turtle so I could climb inside my shell and die.
I could be a tree in the breeze so green and carefree.
A lot of times the only thing I don’t want to be is me.
I don’t want to live inside my head. It’s a dark and scary place.
Outward, I look so upbeat, but inside, that’s not the case.
I live my life behind a mask, a smile that isn’t true.
There’s more to me than people see, it’s more than feeling blue.
Take away the pompoms, behind that pretty smile,
When I go home, I hate myself and sit and cry awhile.
And when I finally cry myself to sleep,
My dreams never cease to keep
Filling my head with constant doubt.
Their voices seem to scream. They shout:
Give up!
Give in!
You don’t deserve to live!
You’re worthless!
No one cares!
You have nothing left to give!
Now you know not everything’s always as it seems.
But saying that, you should also know that I’m stronger than these dreams.
Too fat, too skinny, too short, too tall,
Society’s expectations have set me up to fall.
Real beauty is so much deeper than the skin.
I won’t give up, I won’t give in. I will not let them win.
Comments
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torenceeugene
I wrote this poem when I went on a retreat with a group at my school. It was an extremely emotional experience. I was so proud of it that I read it out loud for everyone but couldn't finish it because I was crying too hard. I guess the moral of that story is that you can't judge a book by it's cover.
MVP-Most Valuable Poet
very emotionally driven
it took courage to recite this piece despite the fact you didn't finish
never allow anyone to judge without getting to know it's true meaning on a person
keep wriitng
iamiranda
Really beautiful poem!!! <3
Relatable and emotional, love it. And don't stop writing you have talent!
marysitz
Thanks for sharing this beautiful poem with our community.
Prettygirlcn5
I really enjoyed this poem because I am a cheerleader too, which most people would associate with popularity & cheerfulness. However, this is not always the case, and it's important for people to understand that. I think this poem helps break the stereotype.
Stay Strong & God Loves You Always! <3
break_thevision
This is so emotionally packed. I broke down into tears when I reached "you have nothing left to give." This poem breaks the stereotype of cheerleaders and their association to cheeriness and happiness. I salute you for reciting this poem to a crowd since that requires such strength and bravery to speak your deepest thoughts.
torenceeugene
Thank you so very much. The fact that I could move someone besides myself to tears with my words amazes me. I want to make people feel and maybe see what it's like to live life in my shoes. I did my job.
savigirl14
This is truly amazing. Don't give in and don't give up because I'm sure you have so many great things ahead of you. Read my poems because I would like to know what you think.
lavette
Love it I sometimes feel the same way
nroberts
Wow, it feel so good knowing that you are not alone in your shoes. It very hard to fit into a society that focus on look then your inner self. I love your poem. It remind me so much about myself. People think i'm skinny with a amazing body, they don't know whats going on in this body. Good job, keep it up.
07borie
Like!
Dottiellama
I absolutely love your poems! You and I seem to think alike and my poems are pretty similar, of course yours is much much better! I hope to be as good as you one day your poems are so inspirational!
Dottiellama
:)
SarahthePoet
Don't give up. Don't give in. Do not let them win!
<3
This is a great poem!
Marvel godwyn
A beautiful poem depicting emotions from raging battles with depression.The last two lines are awesome.Very intriguing thanks for sharing.