Submissions by samehdi (Samira)

my body and i, we've never really had the best past
i would damage her because of the words people said
never first choice, always picked last
i felt so poorly, sometimes i believed that i'd be better off dead
two counselors later and a few marks on my wrist
my doctors told me to make a list
of all the things i loved about my body
i'd look in the mirror and my face would twist
i'd start with my eyes, small but stunning
maybe my face? no, it jiggles while running
my scars how i love and hate them so
they show me where i've been and how...

Imagine you're in class, and there's a boy with a cross dangled on his neck.
I bet everyone thinks it's normal because his name's Jared, and his daddy drives a Corvette.
What about Isaac, the boy in English class who wears a yarmulke on his head, and fasts for holidays?
Were your anti-semetic slurs not enough to make him want to end his days?
And how about Iman from your class of History?
Why do your peers at school same her because she chooses to practice her faith differently?
Society has taught people that there are only certain religions to follow,
So...

i see you in the hallways
i see you in my dreams
i long for you to notice me
my tears fall in streams
your smile lights up the room
it makes my heart burst at the seams

you do not feel for me as I do for you
the last time i had a conversation with you
you weren't sober
i enjoyed every word you spoke
but you didn't have a clue

your eyes are a subtle brown
i try to catch a glimpse of them
for seeing them brightens my day when i am feeling down

i wish that i could talk to you
but i am...

Dear Freshman, you don’t need to fit in right away.
Don’t sacrifice your innocence for foolish boys who won’t give you the time of day.
It’s your first year, take every chance you’re given, but always put yourself first.
You’ll end up giving everyone your energy, and then you’ll die of thirst.
Experience new things within the school,
not at a party with a 17 year old tool.
You’ll lose your friends, but that’s okay.
You’ll meet new ones who will save the day.
There will be boys that call you pretty, but will only want you for sex,
Asking for nudes...

Do you need me, in the lonely hours of the night?
Let my love consume you, and your soul will be at ease,
With the a swift touch, the feeling of your affection, such a tease;
As I lie awake and think of you at night, I feel fine, everything’s alright.
Your touch makes me feel like the only girl in the world,
I know that’s not true, you’ve got your way around the other girls.
I get excited when you come to my window at night, to see your eyes gleaming in the moonlight.
But your breath reeks of Rum Spice, your hands around my neck grow tight.
...