nothing is quite as painful as invisible is.

walking through the crowded hallways of a dysfunctional high school

not a part of the stories unfolding around you,

simply invisible.

forcing yourself to trudge up the stairs, into the classrooms

always a disturbance.

the way they look at you, like you aren't worth their time

their expressions which undermine you

the whispers which are not heard

yet knowing they occur

is enough.

and you smile. you smile at your classmates, your teachers

burying the burden of hurt that aches

with each step you take

because you are invisible.

not a ninja, not even a chameleon

a hollowed out husk of a soul

that was once vibrantly shining

invisible.