My trauma is not my own 

It transcends all regions, states, borders,  cultures and languages 

My pain is in no way unique

I’ve discovered that it’s shared by millions 

Across all ages and genders 

Somehow we all seem to have met the same end

You see, my body is not my own 

And quite frankly, I don’t think it ever belonged to me

This vessel has been abused and misused 

All of its predecessors have left a hefty mark 

The tears and full body shakes 

The restless nights and upset stomachs

The crawling, itchy sensation that consumes my skin 

The migraines and stars that flicker across my eyes 

The breath leaving my lungs and the struggle to reach my inhaler 

I guess this life is not my own 

And I don’t really know why I exist 

Or why this life must be filled with pain

I never consented to this pain 

Yet, I still attempt to take responsibility 

Crafting countless narratives of how I could have avoided this 

How 8 year old, 18 year old, and 19 year old me could’ve fought harder 

These burdens are taking a toll on me 

A toll I’m afraid I can no longer afford 

Elikem’s Corner, a series of poems from our Editor-In-Chief, Elikem Thee Poet. These poems give insight to a piece of her world; her own lived experiences and the experiences of people around her.