Fighting small

Today I’ll hold my head up high,

Shrug off my hooded cape,

Step boldy forward, exposed, raw wounds,

Not fearing mouths agape.

In truth it is not shock I fear,

Disgust, or hate, or mirth,

Its passing by, that head held high,

And feeling only dearth

Of anyone who turns their gaze,

Of anyone who sees me,

Its knowing I’m not thought about,

A wraith forgotten quickly.

My stride today is wide and quick,

My spine is straight and strong,

Mind and body shrugging off,

The sense I don’t belong.

I tell myself, and try to listen

“Don’t let those thoughts define you,

To thyself be true, and know inside,

You’re worth love, you have value.”

I know that I must hold this torch,

I know it should not matter,

And on this day, I’ll kick my heels,

And watch the self-doubts scatter.

But if you see me sway or stumble,

If you witness me here at all,

Don’t be afraid to meet my eye,

For its together we grow tall.