Driving on a rocky road, the desert engulfing me, colorful shops blinding me.

The words cut my sights like a blade.

If someone asks, your father is on a business trip.

Eyes scrunch together,

Puzzled face. I’m confused. 

I was brought up to believe I am different but yet the same.

To understand that I am not accepted here, oh how that hurt me. 

You make me feel like a girl wearing sweats in a room filled with girls in dresses. 

I live a marathon. 

Taking a 26.2-mile journey to not feel out of the box. 

Here: I feel relief, being in a room filled with my fellow marathoners. 

Running with me. 

But here, we chose to not finish the race. And I think, that is very powerful. 

Stopping. For me, was, 

"One small step for man,” (or women). 

this does not define me

but it impacts me. 

I need to remind myself of that constantly, 

Feeling a connection to the dislike of difference 

Even though it is in us does not mean it is us.

This race has left me panting. 

This is enough for ME

But not enough for you. 

I will not stop, where you want me to.