Pass Her By

A project to present

What does family mean to you?

To me it means moving

never getting to choose.

My name is a case file,

filed under pass her by.

A drug-addicted mother,

addicted to getting high.

Where do I go next?

A house in the suburbs, 

a mansion on a hill?

Maybe I'll get someone famous,

holding on to dreams still.

The house I'm assigned to,

although normal it may look,

A preacher with cruel intent,

girls' innocence he took.

I'm losing my faith,

praying, hoping, nothing works, 

"You will be saved." he chuckles

Outside my bedroom he lurks.

Ragged clothes, bruises, I have not.

Although the signs still show,

Look into my eyes,

there is everything you'd need to know.

Pay more attention,

take a closer look.

The signs are all there,

but you, you go by the book.

Sit behind your desk, 

Grade papers, hand out tests.

Do you even know your students?

Pass on all the rest.

"Time to present!" you say

Hands rise to the air,

my head stays buried in my arms

at me, you stare.

My name you called upon

"You're up first."

I rise and walk to the front 

feeling as though I'd burst.

I stare blankly, 

my paper clutched in my hands,

"Go on." you say,

but quietly I still stand.

"Did you do the assignment?" you ask

murmurs and laughter fill the room.

"Family means..." I begin...

"Speak louder." My anger looms.

"Nothing!" I shout.

Walking back to my seat,

Eyes stare, you glare,

I lay my head back down in defeat.

The next day, papers are graded,

you hand me mine,

a red "F" on the top.

"You didn't know the topic." you remark.

You didn't know me.