I am I am marred and scarred. I wonder why my slanted eyes are green with envy, staring at those with eyes so parallel, and are smouldering black and red with hatred. I hear the insults of "Dirty Jap," and "Chink." I see the signs that impress everlasting fear, and sadness within me. I am marred and scarred. I pretend it's okay, but inside I want to burst with anger. I feel alone and by myself. A drop of goodness, in a sea of everlasting hatred and massive pandemonium. I touch you, by writing this down. I cry knowing that hate is taught, and that so many have mastered it. I am marred and scarred. I understand it is easy to succumb to overwhelming fears inside. I say, "You scream at me for my difference, but I smirk at you in amusement,because you are all similar." I dream that one day this will touch you, and will filter out all of your hatreds. I tried to turn my experiences into something positive, and succeeded. I am marred and scarred. -Gina DeSalvo Spanish River High Boca Raton, FL