I once knew a girl in fifth grade.

I once knew a girl who was lonely.

I once knew a girl who was unfairly treated.

I failed to be her friend.


Fifth grade science projects.

A chatter of excitement throughout the room.

A month’s worth of work and dedication.

Presentation day.

A stream of exoplanets and nebulae, astronauts and rockets.

Do any of you recall?

I recall the girl who got torn down.


Standing at the front, small and frail, nervous already.

She thought she had done enough.

I watched as kind, caring, wonderful people tore down her esteem mercilessly.

Myself included.

Asking questions she couldn’t answer,

Nobody had anything good to say,

But that didn’t stop them from saying bad things.

Without her hearing.

Because she wasn’t enough.


She sat on the bus, alone,

Because she wasn’t enough.

Nobody wanted to help her,

Because she wasn’t enough.

People acting like her existence was a personal insult,

Because she wasn’t enough!

Not a caring smile came her way,

Because she wasn’t enough!!

She had to swim in an ocean of rumors,

Because she wasn’t enough!!!

SHE LEFT AN OPPORTUNITY THAT SHE DESERVED BEHIND,

BECAUSE NOBODY THOUGHT SHE WAS ENOUGH!!!


I once knew a girl in fifth grade.

She’s found a group of caring, wonderful friends.
I wonder if it’s enough?