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Student Life

I Have (No)

A poem for a past so far, yet so close.

Hannah Mason
Oct 18, 2016
Moorhead, Minnesota
13
I Have (No)
123rf

Often times when I was younger and bullied, I never had the courage, nor the words, to stand up for myself. I would accept the abuse sent my way with a nod of my head and the lowering of my eyes, attempting to fight off any tears that threatened to slip out. I refused to be called weak, even though I felt otherwise - for I'd always want to run home and curl up in my mother's arms. And I often wondered if I'd make it through my teen years, if I would give up and let the words win. I'd often sink into a depression so deep and dark that not even my love for words could help me.

But here I am, finally living my dream as a college student, preparing for the future I only ever dreamed of having. And the following poem is my answer to the years of torture, not just for myself, but for others as well.


I have no secrets

I have no lies

I have no tricks

But I have a will

And I have a way

So I will succeed


I have no muscles

I have no brain

I have no heart

But I have a goal

And I have a path

So there is no stopping me


I have a future

I have a dream

I have a plan

But I have no honesty

And I have no fight

So who will get in my way?


So when will the judgment stop?

When can I walk or talk

When can I laugh or cry

When can I love or hate

And not be a fool?

When am I free to be me?


What day?

What age?

What time?

What year?

Why must I fear my most basic right?

Why must I hide the person inside?


Tell me who declared you boss

Tell me who made these rules

Tell me so I can raise hell

Tell me

Because I will not quit

For I have a life.


So there you have it. Words for a past of many, the future of some, and the present of millions.

Good luck.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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