"Perceptions"

When she came to their school they noticed her. “You’re pretty,” the boys would say. “You’re hot,” the boys would say. They whistled as she walked through the cafeteria.

When she stopped eating they didn’t stop.  “Nice rack,” the boys would say.  “Nice ass,” the boys would say. They touched her as they passed in the hallway. 

When she cut herself they didn’t stop. “Why are you wearing long sleeves in the summer?” the boys would ask. “Show us some skin,” the boys would say. They attacked her in the parking lot.

When she looked in the mirror she saw a monster. “I’m ugly,” she said to her reflection. “I’m nothing,” she said to the face staring back at her. She dressed to the nines and left.

When the train blew its whistle she didn’t move. “This is the only way out,” she said. “This is the only way to end the pain,” she said. The whistle blew again.

When her body was found it was a shock. “It’s a shame,” the policemen said. “She was so pretty,” the policemen said. Her yellow dress was stained crimson.

When they heard of her death they didn’t stop. “You’re pretty,” they said to another. “You’re hot,” the boys would say.

The topic of suicide has been hitting close to home recently. It is surprising how many people deal with depression and thoughts of suicide. If someone mentions to you that they are having these thoughts GET HELP! If you are having these thoughts, say something to someone. (Originally Posted March 13, 2016)

This piece was written in response to a picture prompt from my writing group. See the original photo here: http://zhornik.deviantart.com/art/Reflection-175674387


If this poem hits home for you, you may find comfort in reading about my journey with depression here.
Like my poetry? Check out more here.