Know The Signs (Worried) Poem by Hope Cortez

You're worried about me?
Don't be
Be worried when I'm alone
When the sun has abandoned me
and the brave mask has been taken off
Then
you should be worried

When the door is locked
and my hair hides my pain stricken face
When my sleeves drown out my cries for help
and my body screams what I let them do to me
Then
you should be worried

When my stomach no longer has a purpose
and the bruises on my back are afraid to speak
When my fingers have burns not from the flames
and the withdraw from my hallucinations are violent
Then
you should be worried

When I disappear for days
and return with the smell of cheap liquor on my breath
When I don't remember what happened yesterday
and I hope I never do
When I'm quiet
and there is no emotion in my eyes
When I stare absent mindedly at the wall
and no longer have hope
Then
you should be worried

When I have a rope around my neck
and I'm hanging from the balcony
Then
you are too late

Know the signs