Hanging Fire

written by


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I am fourteen
and my skin has betrayed me 
the boy I cannot live without 
still sucks his thumb
in secret
how come my knees are
always so ashy
what if I die
before morning
and momma's in the bedroom 
with the door closed.

I have to learn how to dance 
in time for the next party 
my room is too small for me 
suppose I die before graduation 
they will sing sad melodies 
but finally
tell the truth about me
There is nothing I want to do 
and too much
that has to be done
and momma's in the bedroom 
with the door closed.

Nobody even stops to think 
about my side of it
I should have been on Math Team 
my marks were better than his 
why do I have to be
the one
wearing braces
I have nothing to wear tomorrow 
will I live long enough
to grow up
and momma's in the bedroom 
with the door closed.

© Elizabeth Daryush