Stagnant tears leak, streak, rims swollen shut,
aching jaw, scratches, squirm on my butt.
"Momma, don't HURT me!
Please ... give me away.
I can't BE better
no matter what you say.
Do it or I'll die!
We barely get by."

"You FREAK, think you're smart, pack up and leave!
No one else wants YOU! THAT I believe!"

"That's not true , Momma!
Lies send one to Hell!
You've a bad temper--
try PEACE for a spell.
With you ... I'd kneel and pray.
'Not with ME!' you say."

"You're Indian, Savage, your Fathers' seed.
It's not the same BLOOD you and I bleed!"

"Don't like my eyes
or my high cheeks.
With a forked tongue
White-eyes live, speak.
'I' shall not break
till heaven quakes."

"I wish you were dead! God knows I've tried.
You won't stay down, have too tough a hide."

"Mom, please let me go.
With others you are blessed.
To live terrorized
is WRONG ... I surmise.
Beaten if I cry
and I don't know WHY!"

"Your beady eyes and body reveal
you're marked for life ... worthless and evil!"

"'Freak' was one nickname--
'Retard' ... was ashamed.
Born hearing-impaired
I was not to blame.
Inherited genes;
healed ... overcame things."

Grateful tears run from a survivor.
I’m no angel yet thrive …despite her.