By Kristin Humphrey

Edward Little High School

A turtle slinks inside his weathered shell;

Under earth, he had burrowed deep and fell.

Through loneliness he embraces self-hell.

As endless darkness allures his chilled soul

Into an addictive comforting pain,

His hiding creates chaos, takes a toll

A shelter, shielding societal shame,

Secure, but blocked, afar from shining light,

Below he crawls throughout the vicious night.

Until rock bottom strikes, challenging fright;

Emotions crash and create wonders new.

Inspired at last, his head appears on through.

What future holds has much uncertainty;

A brightness fills him, he waddles on free.