By: Makayle D.

3rd Place · High School Writing (2023)

Let it be seen.

XXXXXLet it be heard.

XXXXXXXXXXLet it be known.

We are flowers missing sunlight.

We are birds lacking the sky.

We are paper without pen.

We have lives to live

We need help that we can’t get

“It’s not real”

“You’re just seeking attention”

They choose to ignore the problem

Instead of trying to fix it

Trying to make it better

Make us better

because fixing things needs effort

Let it be seen.

XXXXXLet it be heard.

XXXXXXXXXXLet it be known.

It takes time

It takes effort

it takes attention

how many people will continue get ignored

“you’ll be fine”

“you’ll get over it”

is what they say

until it’s too late

“We didn’t see the signs”

except you did

and you ignored them

There was a cry for help

that you chose to reject

Let it be seen.

XXXXXLet it be heard.

XXXXXXXXXXLet it be known.

So many people couldn’t go on

because of the mental health issues that they faced

If only they were seen.

XXXXXIf only they were heard.

XXXXXXXXXXIf only they were known.