Every step I take,

Every pair of eyes I meet.

I hear a voice.

A phrase tearing its way into my heart.

It pulls and it tugs at my self esteem.

It is trying to break me down,

trying to make me blend.

 

I fight for my life against this pain.

It tells me I dont look good enough.

It shouts to me to not be myself,

To not speak the way I speak.

This voice...

Its dragging me down,

Pulling me under water.

Deeper and deeper and deeper.

 

I am about to give up,

To let go of myself,

To believe this voice.

At the last moment,

I hear a whisper.

This one is different.

It reaches down to grab me as I sink.

I reach for it in panic,

Praying for it to save me!

 

I gasp for air,

I hear it say to me,

I can not sink,

I am too important.

I am too strong.

I am a leader.

I am unique.

I am not a victim.

I am ME.

 

That is good enough.