Ashes

No one died

right?

I wasn't affected

but I am affected.

I know them

their situation

we're good friends

but why is all of this happening in my lifetime?

In our lifetimes?

The politics

the banning

having to protest for ourselves and our rights

now this fire?

Fire,

thought of a fresh start at times

but this?

No

it's worse

no one benefited from this

and I feel terrible

like someone has died

but not quite

and I feel useless

like I can't help

but can I?

How am I supposed to be on Monday

at school

where some of my worst hardships occur?

How do I help

I want to help

let me help

Calico Frost

VT

13 years old

More by Calico Frost

  • I don't know

    I find at night

    I am haunted by thoughts.

    Simpler things, like

    Math assignment due tomorrow, can I finish it by then?

    or

    Did I really turn in the essay or not? I don't remember...

  • Vulnerable

    At school

    we're doing a poetry unit.

    "Oh cool, we write poetry all the time!"

    My friend says.

    What we didn't realize, though,

    was that the teacher turned on the tap

    to our inner selves

  • The Bird

    I am the bird that everyone knows.

    Never sees, only feels my presence.

    Visible in your mind, noticeable in your heart.

    My wingtips are dashed with anxiety,

    my tail feathers streaked with frustration and loss.