I grew up thinking it was okay
to have parents fought every day
and slept in separate rooms at night.

I grew up thinking it was okay
to hate yourself
more than to love yourself
and to damage your body beyond recognition
in order to be beautiful.

I grew up thinking it was okay
to let a boy walk all over you
and touch your body
because he whispered you the sweet words
he knew you wanted to hear.

I grew up thinking it was okay
to feel not good enough
for your parents
for yourself
for everyone.

I grew up thinking it was okay
to be
afraid.
sad.
alone.

It took me eighteen years to realize
It's not okay.