My life is like being in a box
that’s to small, way too small
I want to get out desperately
but I can’t find an opening
and I can only hold my breath for so long

No!
there seems to be no one around for me
I can see, I can touch inside my little box
but I can’t communicate with anyone
I’m all alone even though people are nearby me

Isolated!
the way it’s always been for me
and feel like it will always be
I can scream all I want
but no one will hear or ever be there for me

So I just let myself cry and curl up tight
no one will care or ask why
the tears will hurt as they run down my face
I can see someone’s hands reaching for mine
but my arms are too short to grasp hold

I want help yet I find that everyone has disappeared
also love, love I’ll never discover inside this box
within this little box I have put myself in
maybe some day a person will come along to aid
who will free me from this little box, maybe someday
SEG

*This poem was written in Rumford, Maine.  I was 17 years old.  I believe it was these writings that allowed me to receive a small scholarship during awards night the year I graduated.