Читать книгу Rise Speak Change - Girls Write Now - Страница 33

Integrity

KANIKA WRIGHT

My poem “Integrity” was born from a rumor. I was amazed at how a false rumor could transform into something so large. I conquered that lie because I always had truth on my side.

I received Emily’s

cold stare

as the word

dripped

from her lips.

Lesbian.

The world spun violently off

its axis. Time

shivered in a frame.

Hushed voices, murmurs, whispers,

rumors commenced. Sixth grade gossip,

new topic for homeroom

tomorrow.

Lesbian.

Tomorrow came, yesterday

still alive in my veins.

My friends, distant.

Their looks toward me

flickered with change.

No more time for

hopscotch, or

eating lunch at our spot.

They stayed away

No touching

They faded away like apparitions ready to hurl shame my way.

Lesbian.

I was alone, only

The Lie

to keep me company. Breaking point

arrived as the wheels in my mind

turned.

Lesbian.

No truth to

Lies.

No lies to

Truth.

I knew Truth. Truth knew

Me.

Emily is a lie.