I Am Perseverance

I was different

Different because I could not speak the same language as those around me

I was muted

Muted because I did not believe I deserved to be heard

I was invisible

Invisible because I kept my true self hidden for fear of rejection

I was a victim 

A victim of the restless ignorance that thrives in our society towards people of color

I was broken

Broken from the loss of a sibling to an incurable disease

I was empty

Empty because I could no longer let myself feel 

I was lost 

Lost because those that I loved were taken away

I was not who I am now.

I am strong

I deserve to be heard

I am perseverance