You’re supposed to have nightmares at night
But mine begins when I step inside school.
The corridors are blaring.
I know people are staring.

They smirk and giggle amongst each other
And I know what they’re saying.
The color of my skin already starting to haunt me
And my body seeming to be nothing but a curse

I pull on my hood wishing that my oversize sweater could hide me forever
But if I could have what I want
I would never have the scars on my hands
And the unstoppable bleeding of my heart.

Your words about my looks and memes about me 
The whole school it overtook.
At lunch, you push me and laugh.
I’m nothing but a joke for you

The punching bag to carry your frustration.
My existence is just too cruel for you
So you drown me in words that cut skin deep
And with fear make my knees go weak

You’re fighting me and winning.
And those people on the sideline cheering don’t know but they’re just like you too
160,000 kids staying home from school all because of people like you.
You don’t realize that your actions are the cause for the straight line in thousands of heartbeats.

So  STOP.
Because shoving me won’t make your life any better.
My tears might give you pleasure but they won’t last forever
Blowing out my candle won’t make yours burn any brighter.

Author is grade 9 student at Premier International School.