The world was never kind,
kicking me out so young,
forcing me to fight for a truth
that others couldn't see.
But even when the door was shut,
I carried that truth with meâ
deep in my chest,
under my ribs,
where nobody could take it.
I never changed who I was,
I simply stepped closer
to the person I always knew
was hiding underneath
the confusion,
the pain,
the longing.
I've grown through timeâ
like roots pushing through the earth,
never changing the essence of the tree,
only growing stronger,
more solid,
more sure of itself.
And though the leaves may change,
the trunk remains,
steady and firm,
just like I am,
still me,
still whole.