Step one, is rudimental
Yet fundamental, establish yourself
As the authority, an epitome of
Power, and wisdom, but proclaim
Your approach as egalitarian.

Step two, an extension of the first,
Enforce upon me weakness, inferiority
And fetters, but do it with subtlety,
So that when I sob, and you attribute
Tears with what you’ve attributed to me,
I believe you, and my new identity.

Step three, a pivotal one, the genesis,
Dig a hole, in the graveyard if you’d like,
You need not splurge, a small one
In the corner will do, for my death
Isn’t as glorious as yours will be.

Step four, is all about manipulation,
Emancipate me, let me see
The light at the end of the tunnel,
But when I’m about to break out,
Turn off the lights, and turn a blind eye
So that I trip, by unfortunate accident,
In the hole that you dug.

Step five, the final chapter,
Cover your tracks, and the hovel,
With soil you laid out, and blame
The tragedy, venting your grief,
On the malapropos upbringing.
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Anoushka Chawla is an Indian teen who’s a part-time student and part-time writer and a food blogger on the side. You’ll find her in a cafe drinking coffee while typing away ideas on her phone. She loves people in general and tries to write poetry and prose that resonate with the masses. Also, she loves talking!

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Cassoday Harder is a twenty-something-year-old photographer inspired by youth, femininity, and summer. View more of her work on Flickr or visit her website.