You Promised

• Zoe Wilson, Grade 9
• Poetry
• 2022

You said you would always be there for me
But no one’s there when the mean kids throw scrunched up paper at my head
You promised, Mummy, that you would always catch me when I fall
But no one catches me when they trip me over
I tried to tell someone, but they wouldn’t listen

Daddy has changed since you left, Mummy
At first, he would just stare at walls all day, but now he hits me
Yelling that it’s all my fault you’re gone
I don’t blame him, it’s the drink’s fault
But sometimes I wonder if maybe he’s telling the truth

That night at the hospital, with the moon shining on your face
You told me, that no matter what happens, I should stay strong
I try, Mummy, I try everyday
I get back up, I dust myself off
But I’m tired
Maybe I should just stay down