Back Brace

You probably don’t know why

I ask you to pick up my pencil for me when it’s right near my feet

You’ve probably witnessed me

Having the most flawless posture, even during the end of the day

You’ve probably heard me complain 

About the sweltering heat in a cold room

You’ve probably picked up on

The sound of plastic rubbing together under my shirt

You’ve probably wondered why

I don’t wear shorts like everyone else in PE

You’ve probably seen me

Sitting on the sidelines instead of running around like everyone else

You’ve probably never asked

Why I change in a stall instead of the lockerrooms 

You’ve probably heard

The sound of ripping velcro tearing through the bathrooms

You’ve probably pondered how

I left school for a month and came back in a wheelchair

You’ve probably watched me

Bury my head on my desk and sob

You’ve probably guessed 

That I had a tumor removed

Or that I was recovering from surgery

Or that I would never be able to run again.

My dearest middle school classmates,

Haven’t you ever heard of scoliosis?