I can't knock on a door,

it's too loud.

Or ask for an extra napkin,

my voice won't work.

I can't raise my hand in class,

people will look at me.

I can't walk down the halls at school,

my heart beats too fast.

I dread picking a seat at lunch,

too many eyes.

Eating in front of people, impossible.

I'm scared of standing tall,

so I slouch.

It's like being in a cage,

that isn't locked.

I could leave,

but I can't get out.

It's wanting new friends,

but I can't hang out.

My life is like

suffocating while breathing.

It is not a way to live,

it is a way to die,

a little more inside everyday.