who do i be
when the world
doesn't want me

breathless
it grips you with a cold blade
tight around your throat
no screams escape;
no pleas get out-

nothingness; no sound.

. . . the whispers threaten;
your pulse quickens
"I'm a failure,"
"I'll never make it."

stops. turns to:

"no one wanted you anyway,
so why are you still fighting me?"

fragmented as it may be,
you turn away; ashamed.
frightened. in pain.

but suddenly-
a voice, growing stronger through the years rages on.

"Because I deserve to not feel like this."
"Because I deserve to feel wanted."
"Because I deserve to believe the truth."
"Because I deserve to not be in pain anymore."
"Because I deserve to be happy."

Because you deserve to be happy.

I promise you deserve to be happy.

Stop
Retract and hide
Someone is showing interest
Quickly
Close the door
And lock it
Blasts music until blood drips from your sockets
Do whatever you can
Just don’t let them inside