From the moment I was born,
I've been told how "lucky" I am.
My umbilical cord tied in a knot,
starving me to a low birth weight
and prematurely entering this world.

Lucky.

I'm the eldest granddaughter
on both sides,
causing me to have a spoiled mindset.
Being told I won't have
to try so hard in school,
because one day,
I will marry a man who will
treat me like a trophy
and think for me.

Lucky.

I was groomed by pageants,
gymnastics, singing lessons,
and etiquette classes.
A pretty package.

Lucky.

As puberty hit,
I asked my mother why
all of my friends were getting
hips and breasts,
while I stayed small and thin.
"You're just a late bloomer",
she said, as she measured out
every portion of my meals.
"Your friends will envy you".

Lucky.

I fainted during cheerleading
practice one day.
Having a coach who wanted
the perfect matching team,
all the same size...
I hadn't eaten in 4 days,
but we won that next prize.

Lucky.

My high school sweetheart
was a lifeguard and football star.
We were on homecoming and
prom court.
King and Queen.
Until he became a father
of a baby girl that wasn't mine.
"You wouldn't put out",
was his parting goodbye.
"You dodged a bullet.
That could've been you.",
my friends attempted to comfort.

Lucky.

I started having kidney issues at 17.
The lack of proper nutrition,
made my body unable
to break down calcium.
I was one of the youngest cases
they've seen.
Dialysis was probable,
but that day hasn't come.

Lucky.

I gave my virginity
to a German foreign exchanged student.
He was...