(A/N: hiya! i'm back! you mayyyyy remember the first part of this poem, but the second part i don't think i've ever posted! (not happy to say alllll of this applies to me but oh well)  this is one of my favs ;) please comment, i love all of your encouragement! it really helps! and mayyyyyybe i think my writing is coming back??)

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Here's to them 2/15/18-3/6/18

here's to the kids who are different

who wobble on unsteady feet

laugh a little too loud,

yet smile so proud,

and march to their very own beat.

here's to the kids who are quiet,

who cry themselves to sleep.

they believe if they speak

they'll only be called weak

and mentally, they've no one in sight.

here's to the kids who are DONE.

to tired to try another day.

they've given up hope,

so please never joke,

they think the way out's a gun.

here's to the kids you called 'weird'

some with irrational fears.

here is to those with death in their hearts

and pillows they soaked through with tears.

Part 2 3/6/18

here's to the children who smile,

but under it hiding under a frown.

they keep it inside,

and they just hide,

feel like they're dancing clowns.

here's to the kids who act happy,

but inside they're falling apart.

they'll try to smile

and it works for a while,

but that's far too much for one heart.

here's to the kids who cut.

they believe their time's almost up.

slash their own skin

feeling pain within

until one slash just isn't enough.

here's to those struggling with suicide.

no one understands, THEY don't get why!

feels like no one cares

they've invisible fears

that only they see, stalking them at night.

here's to those that are too thin,

they're starving themselves to death.

because they've been taught

fat is NOT hot,

but everyone is beautiful within.

here's to the children who are dying

they get beaten down every day,

some too young to know,

some have a fading childhood glow

all too afraid to run away

here's to those with their demons,

who hide in the black of the night.

evil dripping smiles,

capturing your mind,

maybe they're too strong to fight?

but please don't give up,

you matter to someone i promise.

and even if you don't

want to jump out of your boat,

try to work to pull someone back in.

Lauren 💛