Paper Wings

I do not want to be

another face on the news

in a picture I hate.

Another tragedy turned

political agenda,

then quickly forgotten

until I have no name.

I am no longer excited to

grow into a woman

and become my dolls,

because with it comes

the fear of living.

Of walking, of parking lots,

of parties, of dates.

Of men, of men,

of men, of men.

I should not have to be

gifted a pretty alarm

or be told horror stories

of girls just like me.

I do not want to turn

out just like them.

-A.J