I draw back the curtains and stare into the light
The sun hits my face with blinding intensity
This is my life
I pull clothes over my naked body, hiding my shame
Cuts and bruises decorate my pale skin
Today is my first day of the eleventh grade
The day I have been dreading
I’m wearing clothes from last year
No new hairstyle, no new shoes
I look at myself in the dusty mirror hanging on my door
Staring back at me was a scared girl
Wearing a hand-me-down floral dress
I collapse into a ball on my floor
Tears stream down my face as I remember
I remember the torment
I remember their words
I remember the stares
I remember everything
My mom hears my sobs and rushes to my side
With her tender words I am able to stand again
While I am still trembling
I know I have no other choice
The day unfolds just as I had foreseen
Their snide remarks, their glances, all hit me like daggers
I am defenseless
“Why me?” were the only two words occupating my mind
Relief washes over me as I walk home
I’m safe, I’m safe
My sanctuary is penetrated by their hatred, however
Logging on to Facebook, I see a picture of myself
I don’t remember posting this?
The caption: “Look who’s back wearing last year’s Goodwill purchases!”
My ears feel like they’re on fire
I have to escape this Hell I’m living in
I stumble into the kitchen, the tears soon begin flowing
I need an escape
A way out
My eyes scan the kitchen and freeze on a gleaming butcher’s knife
There before me on the wooden cutting board, was escape
Pulling the knife up to my wrist, I drag the blade
This was my life