You Are Killing US
by Juliann Bolado
University of the Incarnate Word
Juliann Bolado is a double major in English and Psychology with a minor in Philosophy at Incarnate Word University. She has loved creative writing since her early years of elementary school, continuing her learning as lead poetry editor for UIW’s Quirk magazine.
You are Killing US.
We the children are dying,
for your sins.
Our schoolhouse cubbies
stuffed with ballots instead of stuffies.
They say boys don’t cry,
I watch in horror knowing why.
That’s when it started,
when our minds departed.
Relays on the field?
No.
Drills.
Stay concealed!
You’re targeting our minds,
speaking out is a crime?
Now shot in the heart,
we’re torn part by part.
To laugh and make do
with what’s worthwhile.
Until we’re no longer labeled:
Child.
So now you’re frightened?
You’ve only gotten a taste,
only the sighting.
Trapped in this box,
we come out fighting.