When I was younger
I caught my reflection in a broken window
I didn't like what I saw
It's not because the tropical midday sun was hell-sent to turn us into ash
It's not because my furrowed brow and sweat glistened forehead made me look severe
It's not because the size of my head to body at that age was lollipop-like
It's not because there was so much pain in my eyes
It's not because we were not allowed to cry
It's not because I was extremely hungry since the school had started forgetting to feed us
It's not because my shoes were torn and had on stolen stockings
It's not because I had just received a lashing during the morning lesson
It's not because my parents had missed visiting day
It's not because I forgot to starch the uniform belt that it was more of a rope
It's not because I had broken up with my best friend
It's not because the other children in line kept pushing me to move but I was too lost in thought that they went ahead of me and I ended up getting a sugarless cup of burnt millet porridge
It's not because I was having an existential crisis at eleven years old
When I was younger
I caught my reflection in a broken window
I didn't like what I saw
I fought to change it.
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