Numb to my own existence

I am the one nobody comes for

No one’s friend

 

Here In this school yard

I walk apart

 

Walking home was briefly peaceful

I walked up the tight steps to the raw wood door

I sat looking straight ahead not wishing to be involved

 

He looked at me smugly

I held my breath

I could barely swallow

Something in the cage of my chest throbs

 

Everyone reached over

Without a word they snatched my food and left

Leaving me alone with an empty bowl

and an empty soul

No feelings of respect

 

I look in the mirror

“temporary” I say

 

I walk over to the small window

I look outside

Four skinny trees

Standing all alone

Skinny necks and skinny elbows just like mine

Stripped of their color and shape

 

They remind me of me

Their strength is secret