I gave myself away to boys who never cared

and let my self-worth come from cruel lips

that kissed everything but my soul.

I handed out compliments and hugs

to girls who whispered behind my back

and reciprocated to my face.

I absorbed the opinions and judgments

of people as lonely and miserable as myself, 

and felt betrayed by the world.

We were all in search of the same comfort

and were afraid to find it.

Some give it away freely.

Others take it away selfishly.