Mind Games

The brave girl I once was

has faded away with ostracizing girls—

painful words that stick to my mind like kudzu,

brainwashing me into believing

I am inferior.

Growing like weeds branching into my eyes,

creeping out of my mouth, becoming the punchline of my pain.

Constantly whispering the words,

I’m fine—

so much they lose meaning. Not knowing if I ever was fine.

Conditioning myself to believe that this is normal—just a phase.

Everyone has these thoughts at this age.

I am not broken—just fitting in.

Finally showing up the ostracizing girls,

by burying the vines.

I am normal for once.

Smiling with tears down my face,

I am normal.