Reclaiming My Life

By Sophie Wagner

You are too

Fat, too thin, too loud,

Too much

Sit down quietly and take your medicine pup

Too quiet and weak

Do you speak? They ask

Do you ever quit speaking? They ask

You are, and will never be,

Enough

Sit patiently and don’t act up

Close your legs and shut your mouth

Not around him, not while he’s

In the house

Watch what you wear and watch your poise

A prize, a sculpture

His

So don’t make a noise

Be effortless and tragic

Your emotions are hysterical you’re being,

Dramatic

And no matter what, you were asking for it

But I know it was my fault, giving him my

Power

And I know what must be done

I have to be

Louder

What you did was your fault

And yours alone

And someday,

I'll find my peace, and be proud on my own

It is now your final hour

I am taking back

My power

Sophie Wagner is a student author from Toronto, Ontario. She is a passionate advocate for discussions about mental health and as mentioned in this poem, fighting back against your oppressors and inner demons. Sophie has been a huge reader and writer her whole life and is excited to be sharing her poetry with you today.