“Happy 16”, says the messages that pop up on my phone in the morning,
Balloons in the air and candles lit fire
Freshly curled hair and cute attire,
So many gifts and so many cheers
Can’t even count how many boxes fill the air,
Growing and growing, just living the life
Little do I know, it’s all a lie…
Balloons filled the air and candles lit fire
Woke up with swollen eyes and cheeks as red as fire,
Bruises covered my legs and arms as I try to hide
Yelling and throwing last night coming from both sides,
Couldn’t get enough of what I was trying to understand
How much I struggle and struggle but still stand.
Music fills the air while people dancing around the room
I, the birthday girl, sit in the corner feeling so gloom,
Singing and swaying all around the dance floor
Remembering the written notes for my loved ones by my door,
Knowing it’s my last day standing
I forbid myself to eat anything.
Music fills the air while people dancing around the room
The party comes to an end, then here comes my doom,
As people leave the house, I clear my room and want to get out of this hell
So I lit a candle to wash away the smell,
I tie the rope and start to kick
I close my eyes and start to lose my breath…
Suddenly, it felt like time started to flee
I open my eyes and see someone whom I’ve longed to see,
”Happy 16”, says my grandma with the halo around her head with glee.
--Deanna Y., 9th-12 Grade