You knew why the caged bird sings.

Your words whispered to me

From pages written in ink

But made with blood.

You told me

It's not where you come from

That defines you.

You reminded me

It's not other people's choices

That bind you.

Your words offered comfort

Strength and understanding

For a young woman

Struggling to know herself

In a world that knows her

By a profile picture

And a status update.

Where life can't be made of

Carefully chosen photos

And Googled quotes.

Where friendships have to be

Forged and cultivated

Not "tagged" as if claiming

"We're friends! We're exclusive!"

"Look how much fun we're having!"

You brought your problems to the table.

You sat them down and addressed them.

You took your past and present hand-in-hand

And walked with them into a future

Of your own creating.

And you told to me to do the same.