Kimberly

I came as a shadow, a discount in my stepfather’s eyes, After he married my mother, I was a stranger in disguise. A different blood

I was not always kind to you, I have wished you were different; A bit rounder, A bit softer, I did not take pride in

What would it take for you to miss that meeting today? On my 7th birthday? Or not pick up that call, When I was talking

Born with freedom, Yet locked in an invisible cage. No sense of freedom anymore, As my joy becomes a stolen page. Forced into the streets

Not today, my dear, Tomorrow, my dear, Next time, my dear— Another tale of a dad. This dad, a busy dad, Always too busy for

A night spent on my mother’s grave, This place, a haven of late. I feel the soil’s texture through my torn shirt, My dry blood

Once upon a time, In a young girl’s heart, Cheer and warmth abounded. Such lightness, such openness; A shield from every outside threat. In due

Look at me, do I look whole? Mom thinks I’m broken, But I’m not just broken, I’m also battered, And I can’t fix myself. Physically