Student Publishing Program ::

Kate O.

Friends No More

They all stare at me
As I walk down the hall,
I’m like a contagious disease.

One day they told me they
Didn’t want me to sit with them anymore,
I wasn’t cool enough. They treated me like I
Was a dangerous tiger, ready to strike.

They snicker at lunch when I sit alone.
I curl further into my shell, like a snail.
I pick at my watery mashed potatoes and cold
Chicken. Glancing over at their table,
Hoping to catch their eye.

Their insults hurt me like the venom
Of a snake, surging through my blood stream.
It's like the shooting pain from being slapped in
The face. That cheek is tender and flushed red. The
Imprint of the hand stays long after the deed is done.

They thought I was like a babbling brook
Ready to tell all their deepest secrets, ready
To spill to the world that she cheated on her test,
Or she liked that guy.

All I wanted to do was fit in
I wanted to fit like we used to
Like brand new puzzle pieces
Snapping into place.

But now, those pieces are worn down
And don’t fit together
Anymore.

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