I wrote a poem

“They’re in pain

I can see it

The marks on her wrist, wrists she’s covering with long sleeves and a smile

The flinch when his dad arrives, the fear of what will happen when he goes home flashing through his eyes

The quietness when they gets back a test, knowing what will happen. 85% will never be good enough for their parents.

The red in his eyes when he comes to class, marks of hidden tears cried alone in a bathroom.

I see it

I’ve been there

I know how this pain feels

But I’m just there

Watching it slowly destroy them

Wishing I could break out

Wishing I could tell them that I know

Wishing I could help them

But I’m just there

Stuck watching

And I can’t do anything”