THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.

They didn't even use pencils,

So I could rub it out.

Markers pens underlining my flaws,

Highlighting what they think are my sins.

Why would you scribble my story?

Change it the way you want it to be.

No please don't tear that bit,

No don't fold that part,

Stop creasing it.

These are my pages,

My versions of my tales.

Stop trapping them in your brutal cages,

Stop stealing my boat before it even sails.

But none of you listened.

Watched me recite my story first.

Made fun of my sentences behind me,

All you made me feel was imprisoned.

The present wonders why my book is so deeply locked,

The present wonders about the secrets I have blocked.

But oh dear locksmith,

It's my past,

Unwilling to trust.

It thinks even you'll break me like glass,

And my tears acting like rust.

Will you be able to open it?

So that I can make my own edits.

Do you think the lock and key will still fit?

Unlock my words,

Don't break them.

Read my nouns my verbs,

Don't mock them.

But how can I know for sure?

How can I trust you,

Because for me the word lost its shine.

Please tell me your soul is true and pure,

Please tell me your heart won't smash mine...