He’s just a token

Of his family’s disappointment

A silent reminder of what’s bad

All the dark in this world

He’s just a token

Of this world’s appreciation

With the scars on his wrists

And the drugs in his mind

He’s just a token

Of the lives that have been taken

Of the children’s tears as they fall

Of the parent’s who just don’t care

He’s just a token

There for looks and not for mind

A boy in the wrong body

A girl with a broken mind

He’s just a token

Of the light that has been fading

The stars that have been dying

The sun that has exploded

He’s just a token

Of the blood that has been spilled

From the arms of children shamed for those they chose to kiss

He’s just a token

Of the love that has been lost

Of the hearts that have been broken

Of the scars that have been reopened

He’s just a token

Of how kids can be invisible

So easily

Of how words hurt more than broken bones

And how they’ve all been thrown at him

He’s just a token

Of how much a smile can hide

Of how the scars will fade

Of how easy it is to lose yourself

In this world that does not care

For 17 years this boy has hidden

For 17 years this boy has broken

For 17 years this boy has bled

His name is Alex

And he’s right in front of you