Trained in the Art of Being Ditched

I’m ok  
like I might not  
should be
 
With being ditched
emotionally  
 
I remember being  
a pre-teen
 
My mom wouldn’t  
come home
 
and the kids
in the Ruth St. Gang
loved nothing more
than rubbing my
short stature
in my face
by running  
away from me
 
So I learned
 
They had to  
seek me by name
 
thus I kept
ahold of  
my self-respect
 
I’m not good
at risking rejection  
or seeking approval