They giggle like hyenas
I am alone and afraid
Their teeth sharp as needles
I am frightened and disgraced


They don’t need to hit me
Their mocking cuts deep
Their words are like punches
With mouths so cheap


My stomach clenches
My mouth clamps shut
I go on with a brave face
But inside there’s more than just a cut


I don’t understand
Why do they choose me?
My hair, my weight, my face
What else could there be?




Sometimes I can’t stand it
I think I’ll break in half
What will keep me going next time?
They won’t care; they’ll have a good laugh


Who will help?
Who can I tell?
No one wants to notice
That my life is pure hell


So on I go
Looking down
Hopefully no one will stop me
This time around


Sometimes I dream
I’ll be boss of them all
Years from now
Then they’ll seem so small


For now, I boil
Burning inside
Trapped in my own skin
Nothing left but my pride


I find a flower
I touch a petal
I listen to music
Heavy metal


I watch a comedy
I laugh and I cry
I turn to the mirror
And say goodbye


That was me
I can’t waste away
I have to get up, move on
Okay?


My smile loosens
My heart feels light
Am I happy?
I ignore their comments-too trite


Suddenly, my bed
Isn’t the only place
I have to be
Because life isn’t a race


I guess it all isn’t that bad
Usually
Keep trying
It will get better
It is better.