

Wrists
I was born with a scar on my left wrist. I often tug down my sleeve, staring at the light flesh smeared on my hand, a different skin tone than the rest of my body. It was never peculiar to my friends and family I showed it to, but it was peculiar to me. It was centered just underneath my sleeve, hidden from the naked eye. What does that sound like to me?
To answer the question, nobody put a knife in my body. I put it there myself. Nobody forced me to make that decision but myself. I made myself do it. I was not murdered in my past life; It was a suicide.
Someone hurt me so bad I felt the need to take a razor to my skin and peel off skin and bone until I was dry. Until I was numb. They pushed me to my breaking point but took no blame for what happened next.
So, yeah. I put the knife in my skin myself. I'm not proud of it.
I couldn’t stop you
My mom used to tell me that as a lady, I had to be kind to everyone no matter what. The Bible says that as well. I can't escape it. Well, I don't want to be kind anymore. If you're allowed to walk all over me, I'm allowed to tell the truth. I couldn't stop you.
I've never enjoyed the feeling of physical contact, not even from my family. This girl used to hug me without my consent in the first grade, and I guess I still hold a grudge. It's been many years since then, yet I can't get over it. You used to touch me and hold my hand when I didn't want to. I felt pressured to. I couldn't stop you.
My love language is words of affirmation, yet the compliments I received from you seemed too good to be true. You called me beautiful, but only after I called you the same thing. You called me hot, but a young girl doesn't want to be considered hot by her boyfriend. She wants to be loved. I am not hot, nor am I beautiful. I am ugly, scarred by your touch and the secrets you kept from me. When I walk past you, I feel those scars burning my skin like a fresh tattoo. I couldn't stop you.
I remember the first time I hugged you. I'd never had contact with a boy before. You asked to hug me, then whispered "I love you" in my ear. Back then, I felt you truly loved me. Someone who loves a woman wouldn't do that. I did love that hug, actually, but not anymore. After that, you wanted more. I didn't. I couldn't stop you.
I used to love you, boy, but I couldn't stop you. How I wish I could stop you. Maybe my skin wouldn't be full of all these tattoos.
Ryann
He was my favorite middle school teacher. The best kind of one. Funny, charming, etc. Never raised his voice, never had anyone get into trouble. The day of his death was September 27th, a matter of days after my birthday. His deranged roommate shot him in his own apartment building, but nobody saved him. He was long dead before help arrived.
The school loved him, we missed him. The day before he died, I created a board game with chalk in my driveway. Since then, the sensory walk in my school hallway haunts me. Never once did I purposely try it, in spite of how much his death hurt my heart.
I was young when he died. I’ve grown since then, but I certainly haven’t gotten over him. Tears almost always come to my eyes when I hear sad music, reminding me of him. He will forever be in the hearts of my entire school, all the teachers, all his friends, his family, and me.
One side
Seven years old
Secret admirer
Plastic cheap toys from the dollar store
Too hard of a trier
First grade fling
Love at first sight
A small red ring from his heart
Throw it away without a fight
‘That girl is a monster’, he said
He’s the one I liked
Young hearts hurt but they don’t break
Why did I even try?
Four years after I tried once more
He swung the other way and I fled
My heart burst when he declared it
Never trying it again
Teenage Girls
“Don’t be the drama”
“Don’t be a Pick-me”
“Put others first”
“Don’t ever be late to class”
“One hour after school”
“Do your homework on time”
“Don’t speak up”
“Don’t be yourself”
“Don’t be sad”
“Never wear what you want”
“That’s too short”
“Start acting like a lady”
“Wear your hair down”
“You just want attention”
“Being a girl is so easy”
“Cover that up”
“Makeup makes you prettier”
“Skip meals”
“Don’t make a mess”
“Be the perfect example for younger grades”
“You’re too emotional”
“You’re getting a little fat”
“Find yourself a nice boy”
“You’re a mess”