When I was in the 9th grade,
I came to school every morning
With bags under my eyes
And long sleeves over my wrists,
I began failing my classes
And struggles to stay awake
Or pay attention.
The teachers thought it
Was because I was lazy
And began going out
With friends too much.
My parents thought it
Was because I was watching
Too many movies.
My ‘friends’ thought it
Was because I was hooking
Up with different boys.

They didn’t know I was in tears
On my bathroom floor.
They didn’t know I was struggling
To pick up a pencil to do
Work. They didn’t know I
Stayed awake trying to numb
The thoughts.
They didn’t know anything.
They didn’t know me.