“be brave”, They say hiding their mouths.

“give it all you got”, They say halfheartedly.

“say it loud”, They say in a dull whisper.

“stand out”, They say from behind the crowd.

“be smart” They say ignorantly.

“be your own person” They say in identical voices.

They always have opinions,

and know just how to bring me down.

But it isn’t Their life, its mine.

So I will continue to push forward.

“be brave”, I say fearlessly

“give it all you got”, I say enthusiastically

“say it loud”, I yell out

“stand out”, I say in front of the crowd

“be smart”, I say earnestly

and lastly,

I say “be your own person” to all of Them