Born I was

To a couple who would teach to love and cherish every moment of every day

Raised I was

To never say anything mean, to never act with unkindness in my heart

But schooled I was

To protect myself from the slurs, the stabs, the disdain of those around me

Left I was

To crawl home with broken self esteem, tears not hidden until the pain started

Tortured I was

Into a girl who hides behind a mask of anger, fierceness and insults

Thrown I was

Into a position of protecting myself by becoming hard as stone

Born I was

To love

Broken I was

Into hate