The Bridge
by Patricia Hatley
I
I was born with
“Flat-nosed freak.”
A genetic condition: Binder Syndrome.
“She looks like Voldemort.”
Over time, I became
“Unlovable, worthless.”
Unable to breathe…
“Who cares?”
I care.
II
I hesitate about surgery,
“You look beautiful to me.”
Is this bridge worth the pain?
“It’s your choice.”
But, if I change,
“Change is natural.”
Will it make me stronger
“No matter what you choose,”
Or weaker?
“I will always love you.”
Something’s wrong.
III
I peeled the bandages away.
“You look fantastic!”
I was far from helpless.
“How is your breathing?”
Happy.
“You know,”
Healthy.
“Despite everything you’ve gone through,”
Strong.
“And every hard decision thrown your way,”
Completely
Me.
“You are still uniquely you.”
I know.
by Patricia Hatley
I
I was born with
“Flat-nosed freak.”
A genetic condition: Binder Syndrome.
“She looks like Voldemort.”
Over time, I became
“Unlovable, worthless.”
Unable to breathe…
“Who cares?”
I care.
II
I hesitate about surgery,
“You look beautiful to me.”
Is this bridge worth the pain?
“It’s your choice.”
But, if I change,
“Change is natural.”
Will it make me stronger
“No matter what you choose,”
Or weaker?
“I will always love you.”
Something’s wrong.
III
I peeled the bandages away.
“You look fantastic!”
I was far from helpless.
“How is your breathing?”
Happy.
“You know,”
Healthy.
“Despite everything you’ve gone through,”
Strong.
“And every hard decision thrown your way,”
Completely
Me.
“You are still uniquely you.”
I know.
Patricia Hatley is a senior at Linganore High School. She has a passion for reading, writing, drawing, animation, and acting. She has been in every Linganore High School production except one since her freshman year and wants to pursue acting on stage in the future. Patricia plans to attend college and major in 2D Animation/Digital Design, as her big dream is to one day work for Pixar. She loves to read and write horror/mystery stories and one of her favorite inspirations is Stephen King.
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