I'll Tell You

You tell me a story about how you wish you were dead because your parents ‘just don’t understand,’
I’ll tell you a story about a mother hobbling across her bedroom floor in pain, dreary hospital rooms, a bald head, and teary words whispering ‘if I have to go through this again…I don’t think I could do it.’

You tell me a story about flooding tears and suicidal thoughts for the love of one boy’s retreating back,
I’ll tell you a story about a life fully lived with countless husbands; who lived for herself and no one else; who laughed loud and strong, who was happy for who she was.

You tell me a story about wanting to be popular and perfect,
I’ll tell you a story about an old horse, a champion racer in his day, reduced to a nameless hobby farm living for his next bucket of grain.

You tell me a story about a double suicide in the name of unrequited love barely a year in the making,
I’ll tell you a story about an old farmer with a gentle love for green growing things, a sweet wife by his side, six grown children, and countless healthy grandchildren…his life’s work dashed by government officials with ears turned only to the rich CEOs.

You tell me a story about Him, the Only One for you, and how he doesn’t give a rat’s ass for you,
I’ll tell you a story about a girl hated for who she is, what she looks like, where she’s from, and what she’s done in the past; about a girl only wanting One Chance.

You tell me a story about a how middle school is just so hard with all the drama, the heartache, the grown-ups who just don’t understand you,
I’ll tell you a story about a kid a few years older than you living with a single parent, working until midnight or later, coming home exhausted to do his homework, succeeding in every class because he knows that he can do it, never daring to complain out of pride for himself and because he knows that he is lucky.

You tell me a story about pain,
I’ll give you a story about Pain.

You tell me a story about your world,
I’ll tell you a story about Our World.

I’m a Writer.
I’ll give it to you straight, and I’ll hold nothing back.

Poem by x.Elijah.x

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