looking, Vs, Seeing

you look 
at the skinny
wild haired teen
with the large glasses 
and the dark brown eyes
you look at me
but you don't see me
you don't see the pain I suffer through 
every day of my life
you don't see the confusion and chaos
behind my smiling face
you don't see the furious love I feel for my family 
or the drastic lengths I'd go to to keep them safe
you look 
and you judge 
my gender
my thoughts
my personality 
all just with one look 
you judge me
even though you didn't take the time to see 
that maybe 
under everything
I'm not what I look like
I'm not weak 
or gullible 
you can't push me over that easily.
I refuse 
to let go 
of who I am 
for you to feel, 
not even that good
about yourself. 

 

Inkpaw

VT

18 years old

More by Inkpaw

  • The Boxes In The Corner

    Looming over your shoulders

    Each stack higher than its former

    Every thought and every scrap

    Of an idea too scared to ponder

     

    Every moment that hurt

    Each minute that lingered longer

  • Inadequacy


    How do I push the words out
    From behind my taffy tongue 
    Thick with salty tears 
    And full of grubby thumb 


    I’m a child 
    Pretending that I’m numb 
    To escape the overwhelming feelings 

  • Paper Frogs

    Why

    When feet fall soft but quick 

    Does the hallway extend

    And the hot breath of whoever’s behind me feel hotter 

    Why do I stay pressed to the wall 

    Like a stubborn gruby sticker