Got caught stealing clothes more than once,
But bullies were scarier than threats of police.
They thought I was just another stupid thief,
I only wanted jeans, more than just one piece.
I wore the same pair almost all the time,
Mum washed them but that wasn't the same.
In school, they still thought I was dirty,
Every day I walked home in shame.
Forget school trips, we couldn't afford them,
I didn't even bother telling mum we had one.
I didn't want to make her worry about money,
So I just walked around outside like a no-one.
Skipped more sports events than I can count,
I deliberately forgot to buy stuff needed for school.
Detentions left and right, but nobody cared,
I know that in their eyes I looked like a fool.
While I went through lunch without any food,
I longed to have that student's cool jeans.
They wouldn't even miss them, I'm sure,
They wouldn't even know what it means.
I was lucky to have met some amazing friends,
I have more of their clothes than I have of my own.
I learned to bite back my embarrassment,
With all the generosity they have shown.
Still, I long for that special pair of bleached jeans,
Hanging there in the store, laughing in my face.
I want to buy them without looking at the price,
I no longer want to feel so out of place.
I always wanted that pair of bleached jeans,
But we could only afford the plain ones.
I got laughed at and I heard their whispers,
No wonder some people buy guns.
But one day I'll buy that pair of bleached jeans,
Not because I want to get those people's bliss.
I want them because I have to prove to myself,
To prove that it won't always be like this.
One day I'll be more than this.