Apologies

“You are too loud” they said

It was best I kept my mouth shut and wait to be called on 

“Don’t walk around so proudly” they said 

Smile and brush away the attention 

Somewhere along the line, I was pushed into the furthest depths of Pandora’s box

Silenced and shushed by others for being who I was 

“I’m sorry” was all I ever said as a kid 

Apologizing was all I did 

“Sorry for being who I am”

The moment I grew up was when I realized 

A fire never apologizes for burning,

Stars never apologize for shining, 

And thunder never apologizes for roaring

so neither should I