*Sumaya Salat is part of Teen Voices Emerging (a writing and female empowerment program for Boston teen girls) because it has helped her open up to others and share her creative writing. Salat feels that she has developed a deeper confidence in herself and made authentic friendships while at the program. She is excited for her first publication.

The Pain You Gave Me

“Don’t worry,

Don’t worry

Don’t you not end this here,” Mama said.

Tears flowed down my eyes like a waterfall.

My heart torn to pieces.

Daddy, I don’t remember our last memory.

Everything so empty. No words for me to write down.

I can no longer hold on.

My heart is now small as a tiny insect.

Every corner is black.

The smell very nature-like.

I look everywhere, I see nothing but fear,

What would I do without you. What would my future look like?

Daddy, I can’t live no more, not without you.

No one to pick me up, when I am left on the floor.

I am nothing without you here.

All I will ever encounter are pains and regrets.

Mama holds her anger.

She does not want us to see.

Oh, how I wish she would stop pretending.

All this madness and sadness never-ending.

How could she not pretend?

When she sees my heart being ripped from me.

I look at the stoned grave.

I have come to an end road

The grass below me stares at my face

Here the memories flashback, piece by piece like a puzzle hard to solve.

Happily I may remember, and happily I may forget.

I look at those around me, and Daddy you were loved by many.

I cannot stare at the darkness,

The clouds are gray, the cars are black.

All I see are black garments.

April 13, 2013: How I hate the date.

How I wish it never came back.

It brings suffering and pain.

— Sumaya Salat

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