Scratching the Surface (Poems)

Alright

I saw you in the hall today.

Standing with a group like you always do. 

Hunching up your shoulders like you always do. 

While they surrounded you, calling 

"Ugly" 

"Weirdo" 

"Idiot" 

And I thought about stepping in. 

But then I saw you smiling. 

Eyes closed, as you tried to fight your way through. 

So I thought, She must be alright. 

-----

I saw you on the playground today. 

Sitting alone like you always do. 

Long sleeves in the heat, like you always do. 

Your lunch sat in front of you: 

A salad. 

Some water. 

Nothing more.

But then I saw you smiling. 

As you dug into your meal. 

So I thought, She must be alright. 

-----

I saw you after school today. 

Writing on your arms like you always do. 

Wearing baggy clothing like you always do. 

And I frowned, because I thought I saw 

A flash of silver. 

A glance of red. 

Red as blood. 

But then I saw you smiling, 

As you leaned over your skinny arm. 

So I thought She must be alright. 

----- 

I saw you in the lot today. 

Standing motionless, like you always do.

Eyes shut, lips moving, like you always do. 

Not responding when I called your name. 

"Ella." 

"Ella!" 

"Hey, Ella!" 

But I was in a hurry, 

And you didn't seem to want to be disturbed, 

So I walked away, thinking She must be alright. 

---- 

I saw you in my dreams last night. 

Balancing above a dark abyss. 

Arms spread, whispering, "I'm sick of this." 

And as I watched, you tumbled down. 

Falling 

Falling 

Lost in shadows. 

And I ran to the edge, 

And looked over the ledge. 

And prayed, Please be alright. 

----

I saw you in the hall today. 

Head bowed, eyes closed, like you always do. 

Holding it in, like you always do. 

Suddenly determined, I walked up to you. 

"Ella." 

"Ella!" 

"Hey, Ella!" 

You jumped as I touched you shoulder. 

You looked at me, scared, and I said, "Hey."

 "Are you alright?"