I don’t break my stride,

Running,

Falling,

Walking,

Swimming,

I don’t break my stride,

No matter the words thrown in my direction.                                         

The feelings are all wiped away,

And I don't break my stride, 

I feel bruised and cut,

And I still don’t stop. 

I won’t let it hurt me,

I don’t break my stride,

My mother worries about me,

I’m still going,

I tell her I’m fine,

That everyone is my friend,

But those are just lies,

I still dont break my stride,

I long for a break,

Where I can cry and breath,

But I still don’t stop,

I can’t stop,

I realize I’m running,

From the fears and the words,

The thoughts are what's bothering me, 

Like ants crawling up my skin,

I can’t break my stride. 

I finally cry,

Thinking that I don’t belong in this world,

I think finally I find the thing I’ve been looking for, 

I’ll be doing everyone a favor, 

And I finally break my stride,

I walked home. 

Defeated. 

Mom wrapped me in a hug,

I explain what has been going on,

My hurt,

My feelings,

She looks at me,

And I see tears in her eyes.

“I love you.” She says,

And I finally believe her.