If I could change

one thing

it would be

hate.

Girl, small

growing up fast

told she's never good enough

put her down

make it a joke.

Girl, older

growing up slower

told she's not pretty enough

put her down

behind her back

to her face

because she's different.

Girl, woman?

growing up or dying?

told she doesn't fit in

ignore her

head bowed

feet dragging

dark shadows in her face.

She is lovely.

She is valuable.

There is hope.

But she doesn't see it

because you

told her

it's not there.

Because

instead of love

there was hate.

If I could change one thing

it would be

hate.