The Panther Post features talented Primavera students with a love for the arts. For our January post, we’re sharing a captivating poem written by Book Club member McKenzie Byler.

“I’m inspired by the emotions I feel and the world around me.”
– McKenzie Byler, 16, 11th grade

16 Years

16 years she’s been silent

16 years she’s forgiven

but for 16 years she’s never forgotten.

This is her declaration

there will be no war,

there will be no more pain,

there will be no more secrets.

You ruined them

you are the reason for the destruction,

you tore down every aspect of this life.

You broke her into pieces

and then had the audacity to tell her to stand up.

You asked her how she has the right to hate,

what could you possibly have done that was so bad?

Now she’s asking you,

what haven’t you done?

The only reason she remains in that house,

in that cage,

because she will not leave them alone.

She will not abuse them in the way you have,

she will not tell them they’re nothing,

she will do what you never did.

How? Why? What if?

These are the questions that assault her everyday.

There is no answer for this,

this is my life,

this is my declaration.

You told me to leave,

told me to go and take my mother with me.

You forced me to look at you,

your finger in my face,

your eyes wide with unleashed anger,

you told me to go.

You apologized hundreds of times,

yet you claim to not remember all the things you’ve done,

and all the things you’ve said.

We want to hear from you!

Whether you like to write or have a passion for another form of art, your work can be featured on our Panther Post.

To apply, email [email protected] and include a brief description of your artwork or piece, a few sentences letting us know more about yourself and anything else that can tell the story of your masterpiece!

  • Tell us what you think about McKenzie’s poem in the comments below!