At seven years old, taller than the rest.

Quiet, shy, obedient,

I look into the mirror and see,

The eczema dripping on my skin,

Creating patches where the words of bullies burned.

Tears running down my cheeks,

I pull down my shirtsleeve.

 

At 13 years old, shorter than the rest.

Quiet, shy, obedient,

I look into the mirror and see,

Emptiness and confusion.

 

Who am I?

What purpose do I have in life?

 

The scars of my inner demons from my mind

On my wrist.

With tears running down my cheeks,

I pull down my shirtsleeve.

I look into the mirror and see,

Emptiness and confusion.

 

Months go by with lots of sitting and talking,

Reminding myself that those inner demons,

Are all in my head.

I struggle to fight them.

To combat them.

 

And I ran.

I ran till my thoughts were no more,

Till the demons floated away to Hell.

Till I was able to break out of the cage,

The demons held me in for years.

 

At 16 years old, shorter than the rest, yet not like an outcast.

Quiet, outgoing and bubbly,

Laughter escapes my mouth and bounces off the walls.

While wearing a sleeveless shirt,

I look into the mirror and smile.

I have things I love:

Cross-country, friends, family,

Sebastian.

 

Now, at almost-19 years old, shorter than the rest,

But not thinking of that no longer.

Quiet, outgoing, spontaneous and bubbly,

Laugher still often escapes my mouth and bounces off the walls.

 

I look into the mirror and see,

Happiness and contentment.

I was able to help myself,

With the assistance of others,

At the time I needed it the most.

 

College has changed me for the better,

I learned what I needed to do for myself.

Even if it means being judged by others.

 

I have things I love:

Running, friends, family,

A new university,

Sebastian.

 

I am grateful for the people in my life,

Who have influenced me to be the best,

And who have taught me to love,

To be kind,

To have courage,

To find help when I need it the most.

 

And I smile.