The cacophony of hate haunts me
As fireworks of laughter lash like whips
And echoes of my shame
trap me in a corner.
I yearn for the warmth of a blanket
Embroidered with the letters that spell surrender
It pleads for company
Promising solitude and space
While there's comfort in knowing we're alone
Together.
And once again I find myself below the cliff's edge
Dangling like a doll:
Plastic peels off my shell of a skin
Posture stiff and starched by vain
The last notes of a nursery rhyme
Dribbling down my lips.
And all they see
is a broken soul
deserving to be their slave.
We are like little plumes of fire
floating about
living our lives
spreading our light to others.
But there will always be a chilling breath
--for this world is far from perfect--
seeking to snuff out our light
simply for our flaws
what makes us different
what makes us unique.
But these curves
these odd shapes of flame
these wonderful colors
are not mistakes.
These are not to be looked down on
or shamed
or mocked.
They are what makes us
shine from the rest.
But fireworks cannot shine without light
they cannot be bright
without pride.
To be proud to stand out
to embrace what makes you,
you
to be different
to be loud
to not simply survive
but live this miracle named life.
So shine not from polish but rawness, a diamond toughing the rough;
burn bright not from hate, but the love you wish to spread; and
let your heart lead towards the enchanted bridge
where you'll find true love in this world.
And in the slowing rain of crystalized tears
shed without a drop of shame
kiss yourself
at long last.
A bit more uplifting than I'm used to...This was my attempt for the 2018 bullying contest. I don't know, but I feel like it's so much easier to incorporate imagery with sadder things.