numbers

why do we let numbers

define our quality of life -

despite our conscious value,

determination, and strife?

suddenly a shining mirror

that once showed the vision of your face

now represents a number, a weight,

a failure of beauty and grace

suddenly a place of education

that once encouraged you to grow all-day long

now gives you a small number on a sheet of paper

pointing out all the things you did wrong.

suddenly a currency

that once was a personal, secretive thing

now is broadcasted and bragged about

on our children’s impressionable screens.

and now we feel

ugly

hopeless

morphed into the people we never wanted to be.

it’s time to break this cycle, which is endorsed through society, so we can all be entirely

free.