Poems of Truth

How much did it hurt?

How much did it hurt?
You ask me that despite the fact you noticed that I struggle to eat.
You noticed the constant fear in my eyes when people start to shout.
You saw the cuts bleeding through
And the constant tears too.
And you ask...
How much did it hurt?

It hurt watching my family struggle to help me and not be able to console them.
It hurts to remember the memories of you.
It hurts to not be able to control the tears as the fighting begins.
Being mocked for crying when it's "just a little argument"
But I won't tell you that answer as the answer is always
"I'll be fine, it didn't hurt that bad"

I've been pushed to the breaking point with life.
So don't ask that question
because the pain never truly left.
It still hurts.
I'm just good at hiding.
But you didn't notice that I fell back into my routine.
The one where i hide my arms
And release a silent cry.
And you ask...
How much did it hurt?

By Lizzie

Written: March 4th 2024