Her hair kept untamed.

Squared off bangs

hid her from the truth. 

The truth of reality.

The truth of life.

Her pink sweater

and matching scarf 

wrapped around her arms

and torso

like an unintentional set of armor.

She would never know

her parents struggle 

to keep the power running.

To have hot water

every single night

that she wastes

playing 

with conditioner 

and shaving cream.

She would never know

the true reason 

why her mom 

had to stop 

picking her up 

from school. 

She would never know

the true reason

why instead of home cooked meals

they had to get Taco Bell.

Two dollar deal on two soft tacos

with a medium pepsi.

One for her.

One for her sister.

Both left to share the drink. 

Why she had to go to work 

with her dad

because no one 

could watch her

back at home. 

Why breaks were spent 

at nursing school 

because her dad 

had to teach a class,

but at least 

that meant she should could get 

McDonald’s pancakes 

with a hashbrown 

and orange juice. 

She would never know

about the hardships 

that were happening 

right under her nose. 

It was better that way.

She is better that way.