(Physical or emotional)

(I shouldn’t feel this way)

(Accept your emotions)

 

When I’m in pain the kindest thing I can do for myself is

Cry so I can let the tears of anger discouragement and sadness drip down my cheeks

 

When I’m in pain the kindest thing I can do for myself is

Sleep so I can forget the bad times and have amazing dreams (without the awful bedbugs biting)

 

When I’m in pain the kindest thing I can do for myself is

Whine so every single last word of anger can be set free

 

When I’m in pain the kindest thing I can do for myself is

Eat so I can focus on my food instead of my anger

 

When I’m in pain the kindest thing I can do for myself is

Play so my tears of sadness can turn into tears of joy

 

When I’m in pain the kindest thing I can do for myself is

Breathe so when I count to ten my angry thoughts can go away

 

When I’m in pain the kindest thing I can do for myself is

Call for help so there is always someone there to help me when I need help

 

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This poem is published in The Light in My World, a compilation of original poetry written by young people ages 5 – 12 who stayed with their families in housing at Solid Ground’s Broadview Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing for women and children. The young authors who contributed to The Light in My World are not identified by their real names, and some details have been changed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of them and their families. The authors retain copyrights on their individual works.