I knew I group up when...

Surviving became a standard instinct

Scavaging for food became a daily routine

I wasn't the breadwinner, but I was the caretaker

Beggings became a common occurrence

My meals ended on Friday lunches

Fainting was the only sleep I received

Questioning why my mother hurt me when I followed the rules

I became conscious but remained silent

I learned what heartbreak was

The knife and bands punctured my skin

My mutilation was hidden from curious eyes

My death was planned plot for plot

She knew what was happening behind that door, 

but refused to acknowledge her daughter

Dance became my mother

College was supposed to be a good thing, not to her.

I'm just a robot at the will of my schooling and my man

They turn me on every morning and lay me down every night

I was taught to be scared and obey.

To be at his hands and feet in submission

My head bowed down to be at will

Until only I realized every man was in the palm of my hand

Exile from my family became official

The apron string was cut

My body was defiled

And I could never go back

I was on my own

That's when I grew up.