- Role Model? -

They look at me
like I have
all the answers
I have
"age"
and
"wisdom"
little do they know
I am as
lost
as them

- Momentarily -

For a few
brief moments
between laughs,
pauses in conversation,
and sighs of relief
that I have known
unconditional love,
I forgot about
you.

- Tired -

I'm tired
of defining myself
by who I was
by what I've been through
by how I have survived

I'm tired
of holding me back
of wishing not doing
of waiting for life
to start or fail

I'm tired
of choosing
to not be more
to deny what I can do
to refuse to strive

- I -

I have
Changed some lives
Reached for the skies
Drowned in the rain
Pushed through the pain
Felt overrun
Melted in the sun

I can
Do so much more
Discover how to soar
Make a difference
Learn by experience
Be a beacon of hope
Find ways to cope

I will
Show myself grace
Honor my own space
Take time to rejoice
Seek out my own voice
Respect where I've been
Allow growth to begin

- Stop -

I see you
looking right through me
harboring on all
the scars
I’ve accumulated
like hoarded trinkets
I need you
to see me
for who I am today
as more than
my battle wounds
but with undeniable value
I want you
to treat me
with the dignity I deserve
instead of mocking me
through the shield
of this looking glass