Sexual Abuse

I haven't really told many people about this, but I was sexually abused as a child.

It's not something that comes up, partially because I was super young when it happened, and partially because it wasn't a defining event in my life. And, compared to some people's stories of sexual abuse, I'd say my brush with it was incredibly mild.

That said, it crossed my mind recently, and it startled me how much I remember. So, in the spirit of Speak Your Silence, I think it might help to share my story.

The Kid with the Games

When I was a boy attending middle school
I lacked any friends for, as you know, kids are cruel.
Until one fateful day on the bus heading home,
My backpack beside me, heavy with tomes,
Despite my demeanor which seems misanthropic,
A boy sat beside me and brought up a topic
Which I wasn't used to discussing with others:
We talked about games; from then, we were brothers.