Dear Fellow Peers,

Criticism is a hot knife to my heart

And a chokehold on my soul.

I wish I were overreacting.

I wish I were "dramatic"

Or that I just "wanted attention".

I wish I were "overly sensitive".

I wish I were a "wimp"

And that what you saw was "weakness".

I wish I were everything you said I am.

I wish it

Because then you would understand

And not see just how hard it is.

I wish I were "ditzy" or "quirky".

I wish I were "forgetful".

I wish I were a "space cadet".

I wish I were "hyper".

I wish I were "stupid".

I wish I were "lazy".

Sometimes, I wish I were dead

Or that I was never born.

But I never wish I were normal.

That would be unbearable.