Past Not Forgotten

The walls stained crimson, the doors beaten black.
Well trained in escape, always braced for attack.
The cries well muffled, the screams misplaced.
Each glance I stole, tainted with distaste.

Scary but familiar, the sirens called.
The spectors stared, each one appalled.
In the cool crisp air, when the sky was blue
the neighbors watched, but no one knew.

The students whispered, loud as could be.
Look at the others, please don't look at me.
Their disbelief rude, their laughter accusing
all joking of death, so careless and bruising.

Years into the future, things aren't so bleak.
I've attained more courage, have the confidence to speak.
The choices I made all came with a cost
My hurt is forgotten, my past never lost.