All It Takes is One Man Jack Schloesser

I know that things can be hard. I know your feelings are bottled up and jarred; you think you will be judged for opening up.

But for me, a man came in, saying what’s up? Others soon stood before me, pouring their emotions out in a way I thought impossible. In a way I wish I could…

I thought, why not, who cares? As soon as the words left my mouth, I felt a wave of relief; this wave triggered an effect that opened me up to everyone.

For the last day the man was here, I finally felt my fear disappear, Like a ghost leaving my body.

And others showing their true emotions touched me in a way I thought impossible. For the first time in public, I wasn’t scared. For the first time, I wasn’t ashamed to shed a tear. Now I know that everyone has complex emotions and there is nothing to fear,

for I now know: the end of suffering is near.

Jack Schloesser, Grade 11 Cleveland Public School, Cleveland Teaching Artist: SEE MORE PERSPECTIVE