I am fifteen years old and I think I own the world.

I have a boyfriend and he loves me.

He yells at me but that is okay, he loves me.

He shoves me but that is okay, he loves me.

He slapps me but that is okay, he loves me.

He holds me down as I yell and scream because it hurts but that is okay, he loves me.

I am sixteen years old and I escaped my first abusive relationship.

I am sixteen and numb inside. I am sixteen and I see him in the darkness.

I am sixteen and his body weight smothers me at night.

I am sixteen and I live in fear of his face.

I am sixteen and I panic in the halls at school.

I am sixteen and I wake up crying.

I am sixteen and my body has no more value.

I am seventeen and I observe the world.

I am seventeen and the world thinks I am a child.

I am seventeen and I see the abuse.

I am seventeen and I see the heartbreak.

I am seventeen and I have looked evil in the face.

I am seventeen and I am here to say “You deserve better!”.

Young or old,

Girl or boy,

You deserve to love yourself and you deserve someone who promotes self love.