Safe

• Charlee Deere, Grade 8
• Poetry
• 2021

Safe, my home is meant to be safe.
I’m glared at when I walk weirdly due to chafe,
I am judged for what I wear,
Called rude names for having my shoulders bare.
Safe, school is meant to be safe.
I’m glared at for handing my homework back late,
I am judged for my shoes, socks, the way I have my hair,
Get yelled at when I ask to go outside for fresh air.
Safe, my friends are supposed to make me feel safe.
I’m glared at after I text back late,
I am judged and I act like I don’t care,
Get insulted for turning down a dare.
Safe, the world is meant to be safe.
I’m glared at for whatever I do that’s out of the ordinary,
I am judged for anything and everything,
Insulted, yelled at and called names; I don’t feel safe.