one small hit by Alejandra Hernandez (United States)

Trigger Warning: Drug Use

“One small hit,” I say. 
You laugh, is this amusing to you? ​

You bring it to my lips then snatch it away, 
My eyes widen.
I feel like I can't breathe. 
I curl my fists up into a ball. 
Does my pain bring you pleasure?
You lift it above my head, just out of reach,
Again you laugh. 
“One small hit,” I repeat.
You shake your head and laugh, calling me
A druggie, a skank, you say I have to complete 
Tasks in order to “earn” it. 
Tears roll down my cheeks 
And I whisper, “One small hit.”

Alejandra Hernandez is a freshman in high school in the midwest United States. Her writing is inspired by personal experiences and true events that have occurred in her life. She hopes her poems spread awareness about the reality of mental health, and she hopes they show other young people that they are not alone​