AN: This is the first time I've written for 'Stand By Me' and I've been working on this poem for a while. I haven't written a poem for a while and never on a subject like this so sorry if it's not great but I hope you enjoy.

Castle Rock is my living hell,

A town with a population small.

My family has a bad name

But people don't know us at all.

In a town this crowded,

The rumours are quick and sharp.

It's known my father likes a drink,

The results of which are dark.

My father doesn't mean to be

The monster that he's become.

He's just depressed and troubled

And a needs a drink to ease the glum.

But isn't it common knowledge

That when someone's on the drink,

They have this sudden tendency

To say exactly what they think.

The ugly truth comes pouring out,

After two or three beers.

And we must face the terrible truth

As hard as it is to hear.

My family's name is infamous,

Everyone knows who we are.

But they've labelled me as the bad kid

And the cuts of that knife leave scars.

It hurts when people think they know

Exactly who you are,

But really they don't know a thing

About my life or my heart.

People may see the bruises

And the scars that cover my face,

But they don't care or mention them,

Thankful they're not in my place.

My brother's not supportive,

In fact, he's downright mean.

He spends his time wondering Castle Rock

With the other knife wielding teens.

The only ones who are there for me,

The ones who really care,

Are people who have also been judged

In ways that just aren't fair.

My friends don't judge or make assumptions,

Because they know just how it feels.

Their parents are as cruel as mine

But their care for me is real.

One is rumoured to be crazy,

Just like his soldier dad.

Another friend has been ignored

Ever since his brothers crash.

We've had good times and we've had bad

But our memories are made to last.

They'll be my friends forever more,

Even when our childhood has passed.

AN: Thanks so much to any readers, hope you enjoyed. Reviews appreciated.