I saw my first pheasant,
A red-winged blackbird,
A yellow finch.
In the valley
I spent my twelfth summer
Alone and friendless
Shut in with myself.
And in September
Vacation ended
The school I attended
Was hell itself.
An abusive teacher
Made me his project
And I the target
Of his wrath.
Fall afternoons
I'd walk home from school
Gloomy and sullen
Feeling trapped,
No exit, nor respite
From my torture
No shelter to shield me
From his attacks.
Whatever won't kill you
Makes you stronger
Whatever dismays you
You still go back,
And one day you find
The strength and boldness
To confront and shame him
For his acts.