you do not go outside
as much as you did
before, love. where
are your friends?
mum's voice slithered
with warm concern
and worry.
{ they think i'm a plain
old loser, mum. they
fill my head with cold
letters and stinging
words and they don't
even know that their
laughter is my worst
nightmare. i'm afraid
mum. i hate them so
much that it brings
moisture in my eyes
at night. but then i
still find time to smile
at them in school just
because one day, they
will grow out of their
shorts and wear long,
long trousers instead. }
i'm fine, mum.