sick girls finish last

nobody wants to help you if you're the sick girl

especially if you say things that contradict their lifestyle choices
especially if you confront them with their own trauma
especially if you speak the truth
about oppression
inequality
their own choices

see, nobody invited debby downer to the party
nobody wants to see her crying in the corner
mascara running
such an unsightly display of pain

or we'll shame you
"god, you're so unhealthy"
you did this to yourself

and we won't be there to help you pick up the remains
after your life comes crashing down
because the mental health system failed
the family failed
the guidance counselors failed
the teachers failed
the schooling failed
the lack of parenting failed
the poverty failed
the partners failed
the trauma failed
the ones who stood by and watched failed
the ones who "don't talk about emotions" failed
the college degree failed
the friends failed
the ones who knew, but did nothing failed
the community failed
the abuse failed
the speaking out failed
the fighting failed
the pushing through the pain failed
the doing-it-yourself because no one else will do it for you failed
the self-medication failed
the attempts of a better life failed

Broken Heart 
by Artist Jee Young Lee