Middle School began smooth,

The waters at low tide.

Soon it fell apart,

And I was left alone.

The stale cookie at the end of the package.

My boyfriend and I had an unhealthy relationship,

But I didn't realize,

I was just a kid,

What would I know?

He took advantage of me,

And I felt nothing

Except betrayal

And emptiness.

Like a room after moving.

Then I went to high school,

One of the best in the Brooklyn.

I knew no one.

I was on my own again,

Searching for the place that I'd belong.

A mouse looking for crumbs.

But I couldn't find it,

And I never did.

I met a boy,

Max,

Who was so sweet and kind.

He was gentle and refreshingly new.

I came to love him,

And he the same for me.

I gained strength with him by my side,

Along with my headphones,

Katy, and Taylor in my pocket.

I look back now,

Not in fear,

Not in hurt,

But to reflect

On how much I've changed

Over seven years,

To become

Me

The strong, powerful,

And resilient woman

I thought I’d never be.