Remember
when they call you ugly
it because they never made the grade to be a super hero
to be gifted with x-ray vision
and that is why they can't see diamonds inside of you
and when their words hurt it is not because they're true
It cause the diamonds got tiered of hiding in a skin
that you didn't feel comfortable in, so they clawed their way out
remember that diamonds last forever

When they push your books out of your hands
it was only because their own reality was too much to handle
at the time, and they thought
you could share the weight
because sometimes everyone need a shoulder
and others an anchor
but remember you were born to fly

And the whispers,
brush them off as if they were leaves and you
a tree in autumn with no need for such foolish things
you have friends and family that will keep you rooted
Remember Spring will come

But most importantly
remember that you are your own worst critic
And sometimes things are not as harsh as they seem
it is just your refusal to find something praiseworthy
In yourself
And you, you are beauty

And beauty comes in the oddest of shapes and forms and sizes
It has no stencil, status-quo or guide line
Beauty is an arm full of scars
and a smile
A discarded pill bottle
and an "I'm sorry"
an empty ash tray
and dry eyes
a sink drain that reeks of dumped vices
and an "I forgive you"
but most importantly

Beauty is in us
and we are beauty