CAN YOU HEAR ME?

MY YEAR 9 STUDENT WROTE THIS AND I WILL LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU.
All credit goes her.
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*CAN YOU HEAR ME?*
```By Natasha Van Der Horst``
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You disrespect me but expect to be respected.
You shut me down because your words are more important than mine.
I am singled out because I don’t deserve human decency.
My skin is of greater threat than the hell you give me.
The food my mother gives me is all just for you to eat.

My short limbs,
My crossed eyes, 
My red hair and squeaky voice,
Has any done you any harm?
The disability I have that I don’t control,
Is it worth making a havoc?

The easy lies that roll off your tongue.
The sweet, silky, honey-tasting rumor you make up,
Is the sake of your entertainment worth dimming someone’s spark?

All because I pointed out what’s right?
Is the path of integrity that horrific?

These slashes are carved into my skin.
The heart and flesh cannot be the same again.
What have I done to take this everlasting punishment?

Is the individuality in me that much of a disgrace?
If you can be you, why can’t I? 
Is being all the same all that wonderful?

Can we try some more to be kind and affectionate?
After all, we all have a heart!