I was 11 years old when I was formally introduced to her

My english teacher stood in front of my 6th grade class and introduced us.

All the kids in my class rolled their eyes for she was nothing special,

Just words on a page

I rolled my eyes with them to fit in but my gaze never strayed far from her.

 

I had always admired her,

Something about the way she can say so much, but speak so little.

Something about the way she spoke without hesitation.

Her beauty was powerful.

 

In 7th grade I was called ugly for the first time.

She was there for me

She taught me how to talk without hesitation and in few words

She made me feel beautiful

 

Through my high school years, the name calling continued.

I lost friends, was cheated, and cried, a lot

through it all, she was there.

She held my hand and listened to my complaints.

She dried my tears.

 

I began to share the voice she gave me Junior year.

I spoke from the heart

With few words.

Without hesitation.

 

Today I am standing here, speaking with this voice I now have

Thanks to her

She has always been here, She will always be here

Thank you poetry.

I owe it all to you.