13By (Carmen Maria Ortiz)

This poem is dedicated to my friend Octavio (A.K.A Octane) Thank you for being a big brother to me and for protecting me when I needed it most. I am eternally grateful

Close your eyes, remember tomorrow is a new beginning
Don't let it sink it Don't cry
Pretend it didn't happen,
By smiling and laughing
Bury it while it's still alive
Forget it shut it out
You're only 13 still
So much of the world to see
You need to run away, you need to escape
You're only 13
What do they expect
They ignore those bruises on your chest
They claim you're a bad kid like the rest
Send her home that will be best
They didn't care about that ring being hit across your face
Bolt for the door
To late you are on the floor begging for it to stop
Shh... don't speak
They will know you are weak
The slam against the table now you can't breath
Neighbors don't care
You're only 13
These nightmares are about to come real
Feel like you're running out of time
Hurry up and run,
Hurry up and hide
Before you end up with no life
You're only 13
When it feels like everyone is out to get you
He protects you,
He makes fun of you with a song
"Runaway" on repeat all night long
You're only 13
And the night is young,
Hiding out until the sun comes up
Holding out for another day.
You're destiny is about to change
You're heading to a place where you can smile again