Yes, I’ve been run down in life.
Yes, I’ve been beaten ruthless in life too.
Yes, I am stupid.
Yes, I am undesirable.
Yes, I am a screw up.
But, why can’t you tell me something positively amazing about me for a change?
Yes, I’m not beautiful.
Yes, I am hairy, for a girl.
Yes, I am dark.
Yes, I am stupid.
I’m sorry!
But, I’m sorry, I was born that way.
Emma, you are so dumb! How did you not get this math question right?
Emma, you’re so stupid! How do you still not know math?
With all the “subtle” situations have have gone wrong, I really wonder, was everything really my fault?
Emma, I just don’t understand, what do you do all day?
With all the thoughts running through my mind of snarky sarcastic comments to blurt out back to their face, I just smile and say, lots! You simply wouldn’t understand.
Let’s say I go back to work.
Why are you working as that position?
Why is your salary only so much?
You should get another job. This job doesn’t “suit” you!
Emma, your paints are ugly!
Emma, you’re not bright!
Emma, you’re a joke!
Do something else! Everybody is laughing at you!
Whether I do something kind, unruly, or abrupt.
Looks like the blame is still coming to me!
After everything I’ve done, and the amount of smiles I’ve gathered from others, most so from strangers
I still wonder,
What will it take, for my own to see me? The real me?
After everything, many still ask me,
But, I don’t understand, why are you sick?
Then, some on the other hand, feel, hey! It’s great that she’s sick!
She’ll die faster!
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#savingme is the column where abuse victims can publish their experiences just to let go and find comfort and support. Maybe it doesn’t feel like much but just publishing your story for others to read makes you strong. You can send your story about the abuse you went through to savingmestory@gmail.com and you can choose if you want it to be anonymous or not. More details here.