they have told me again and again that i am

too often too little.

they wonder why it's so hard for me to

just smile, just speak up, just blend in.

they come into my life and ask as if i wasn't

born asking.

as if I'm not terrified i will die asking.

as if I'm not terrified that the girl i used to be

would hate me for choosing invisibility over

being able to fly.

would hate me for never speaking up for

her.

would hate me because they will ask her

why?

why?

why?

but i have taken her beautiful voice hostage.

she is trapped on the ground while the

birds sing above.

why?

-V