Trigger warning: this content contains mention of abuse in all forms.

I’m Still a Risk, a poem by Simon Whitter.

I was put into care at 11 years old,
disposed of by my family,
beaten black and blue.
This wasn’t my choice,
but I’m the risk.

Raped and abused by people there to protect me.
This wasn’t my choice,
but I’m the risk.

16 years old with nowhere to go,
fearing the world and cold in the snow.
This wasn’t my choice,
but I’m the risk.

Cold, hungry and scared,
no family to call and nowhere to sleep.
This wasn’t my choice,
but I’m the risk.

I route through bins for food not by choice.
This wasn’t my choice, but I’m the risk.

I turn to crime to get off the streets, its not for me.
I have no choice , but I’m the risk.

No help for me as my age is to young,
turned away from the shelter I give them my tongue.
This wasn’t my choice,
but I’m the risk.

I steal to order and save up my money,
the choice I have isn’t that funny,
This wasn’t my choice, but I’m the risk.

I finally save enough to get off the streets,
so nice to go home and rest my tired feet.
This is my choice, safe I think.

Operation Cleopatra begins my mental states frail,
I drink for 10 years and end up in jail.
This wasn’t my choice, my risk has increased I’m still classed a risk even now in my life,
but it wasn’t me who caused all this strife.

THE SYSTEM IS THE RISK.

About the author

Simon was born in 1973 in Salford and had a difficult and abusive childhood. He was taken to Burton House in Withington, Manchester and passed around the care system and fostering. It was here he experienced mental, sexual and physical abuse. Operation Cleopatra was instigated in 1997 to investigate the abuse.

He has gone on to be a foster carer to numerous kids, and works to help homeless people engage with services, collecting gifts, equipment, organising events and feeding people who most need help.

Simon understands and knows the system well, he is an advocate for a change and supporting those going through times.

We love Simon’s attitude and think he’s an incredible person, he recently hosted our Lifting the Lid event and read this powerful poem and we wanted to share it with you too.