Helplessness - Leyla Molinsky (11th grade)

I dislike the term “helpless”

As to be described as such has always been so shameful,

And I dislike the way early Tuesday mornings feel,

When opening your eyes feels perilous,

I dislike when people chew loudly at the table,

The squelches paining my ears,

I dislike failing, losing, or shaking,

As the overwhelming repetition of it pains me,

I dislike having my voice taken,

As others suture words shut within me,

I dislike having no strength to confront what’s in front of me,

And in truth, I am helpless.