The important thing is that it shouldn’t hurt.

 

That I shouldn’t be offended or upset.

 

That I should pretend that the words didn’t sting.

 

The reality is that is does hurt,

 

That the words sting and pulse through our heads and break us down

 

Ounce by ounce, day by day.

 

Reality is knowing you’ll never change your mind

 

Or take back your words singed with hatred and ignorance.

 

Dreaming is wishing you would.

 

The mental scars from you cascade down my body, and they ache.

 

I’m ready...to close my eyes and forget the foul side of your insecurities.

 

Which became my insecurities

 

The reasons I stay up at night, pondering my futile existence, wondering why I try.

 

But despite the venom injected into me, I go.

 

I keep walking, taking another step, because I’m willing to wait.

 

I’m willing to be patient.

 

I’m willing to stay alive to see the world change.

 

And when it does,

 

your words won’t matter,

 

and all those scars along my canvas have brought me to a new self.

 

A better-knowing self.

 

A tiger.

And I’ve earned my stripes.