How did I get here?
Litter of a life of disregard Clutter the streets we call home Children barely in school and adults Spit everywhere, Hurl curses as an expression Of awe, of aghast, of blame At every little ****ing thing. We claw at those who are silent Throw stones at the victim Punish the weak Ridicule misfortunes Mutilate the broken Wish people bad because they do not think like us. Hurting is the new norm. Hitting without thought of our actions, Of each other. Once We were proud but we cared. We smiled and meant it. The jokes were not at anyone’s expense. Talent was used to heal, to bring together. Loyalty and love were not for sale. Did the downturns of life armor us With rudeness and disrespect Anger to mask fear A pretense for strength? How did I get here absorbing all these? I have no armor. The wounds from the lashes bleed. My blood is drained. I am scared and hurt. I want to believe, Before I close my eyes That I will be...