An eerie and striking creature overcame me when I was 11. 

By the time I turned 12 I realized it was here to stay. 

Overcome by nothing I chose to give in and allow it to consume me. 

For 4 years my being didn't belong to me. 

I no longer felt sad, or angry, or happy. 

My body was the canvas to the words of my mind and the people around me. 

I allowed the negativity to be written and painted on me. 

It was my label. 

My head began to sink as low as my thoughts. 

But there was a moment through all this. 

A moment that inspired me to fight back. 

In a final attempt, I didn't look up, I looked next to me. 

In the backseat of a car, was an empty person. 

But outside, beyond my world, there was more.  

A wrinkly woman locked eyes into mine. 

As I allowed my mouth to be lead by my insecurities and be dragged down-

hers was willingly brought up. 

Her smile made me cry. 

Tears washed away the creature in a tsunami. 

A beating heart took over a banging mind. 

If a woman outside my window could belong to herself- 

I could too.

A smile taught me-

The creature still comes to find a thought to prey on. 

But the person is stronger.