Ripped jeans are a fashion trend now days; and honestly it helps me get by whenever my classmates ask me why my jeans always have holes in them

I just tell em’ it’s my style, so they don’t know that the jeans were donated from the local church.

I tell em’ it’s my style, so they don’t know that I’m envious of their scented markers and pens, and the rhinestones detailing their Loui Vuitton book bags.

I tell em’ it’s my style, so they don’t know that I wish every day for a pair of pants my size with no patches or tears.

I tell em’ it’s THE style, because they wouldn’t understand.

They wouldn’t understand what it’s like to question your next meal while trying to solve a long math equation.

They wouldn’t understand what it’s like to raise your siblings while your parents take extra shifts just to make ends meet.

They wouldn't understand why that question rips a hole in my soul every time they ask it.

They wouldn’t understand.

But I hope they understand some day, because they will realize that my worth is not measured by the holes, or the tears or the stains in my wardrobe. It might prompt them to lend a helping hand to someone like me; someone who sports appropriated fashion trends just to get by.

Just to get by.