As I awoke dreary-eyed
I felt the burden of the world
fall onto my chest once again,
Pushing the air out of my
noisy lungs, silencing me from
uttering my helplessness
As I stood heavy-hearted
walking to the family room
the air burned holes in
my ears, as argument ensued.
But I would rather have this
destructive shelter, than journey beyond these walls.
As I step out, I am greeted
by smiling faces and batting eyelashes
small talk and big reactions
There I see a classmate
There I see a distant Aunt
But everywhere I see falsehood
How could you ask me to step into
A world where reality is not reality
Where every smile a scowl
Where every hug is an excuse
To stab someone in the back?
How could you ask me to make myself vulnerable?
Leave me
Inside my home
Where at least we speak our
Indecent truths face to face
Leave me
Inside my home
Where at least I feel
Real
© Mika Datadin
***
Grade 11
***
