Caught In The Machine Poem by Sophie Kennedy

All things I've learned

can only be measured

by all the things i haven't

grounded and ingrained

by everything i have lost

in pursuit of this knowledge

and in trying to achieve

what is expected of me
 
I hate myself
for valuing a number grade
over my personal health

i hate the society
that taught me these lessons
of labeling your self worth
by the letters you receive

letting your mental health deteriorate
in the name of 'knowledge'
i hate being so broken all the time
and that good isn't good enough any more
you have to be the best
or else you're nothing

how many numbers until i'm allowed
to break down and cry

tell them i'm lost

tell them i'm lost

tell them i'm lost

i'm lost and i can't be found.