I was once a pebble

Small and fragile

People’s words were like ocean water

Washing over me effortlessly

Their criticism smoothed my edges

Wore me down

I wanted to rises up to form a mountain

Proud and sturdy

Peoples words too small to move me

My summit glistening for all to see

Unafraid of judgement

First I became a hiker

Overcoming rocky land

Steep sides

That I was once afraid of

Now I am a mountain

Tall and strong

Ready to take on the world