Its not the contact that hurts,
the flesh meeting flesh that stings.
It’s not the kicking in the knee
nor the blood trickling down my cheek.
That hurt is from the words that fly out of their mouths,
making me say “Yes I am”.
That sting that comes from being denied,
denied the friendship and warmth from others.
Going home beaten down with red swollen eyes.
Parents threatening to take on the world,
all that they can do though is speak.
They cannot cover my ears when the others speak,
they cannot force the others to accept me.
One day this will all be over though,
I will not resort to giving in,
conform to their names,
or beat them down myself.
For one day I will be gone,
never looking back.
I will move east to the sea and the beach that will welcome me.
Yes, this is what is awaiting me.