30
As I walk through the school for the first time in a while
I can feel the stares judging me on my look
And my hairstyle.
“It’s okay” I tell myself
this year won’t be like last
Never again will I be an outcast
Class after class I go
Being where I should be
Hearing people giggle and whisper
Are they talking about me?
I sit at my desk staring, not knowing what to say
I just can’t do this day after day
Another day of school has arrived
Maybe I can talk to someone today
But as I try to open my mouth, I can’t even say “Hey”
I feel as if I can’t speak without being made fun of
All I want is to be is noticed and loved
I just want to be normal
Why can’t I do this?
Every time I try I fall deeper into darkness.
I’ve just given up
I can’t do this anymore
Crying I lock my bedroom door
With a shard of glass in one hand and a phone in the other
I wondered how no one noticed me
Not even my own mother
What should I do? Is this the end?
Is giving up my life worth living without friends?
According to a recent statistic every 7 seconds a child is bullied. In 2012 Massachusetts alone had over 624 students who committed suicide. Nobody deserves to be bullied or teased. Everybody has something special and unique about them, and it’s up to them to show it and embrace it. If you ever see anyone who looks sad, neglected, or depressed just say “Hi” because 1 second of your day or even 1 word can save someone’s life.
ONE WORD
Matt Lyons 2021