I am the child that has gone through trials of devastation and hate

Witnessing drugs consume my relatives body and minds; 

I am drug free

Watching my brother abandon his own son to live in a compressed cell with his "authentic" family;

I am responsible and accountable of my own actions

As my mother crys to pay the rent of our cave, her soul flees her body as depression takes over;

I am a worker that gets paid under the table to somewhat support my family and needs

As I stand In front of my "friends" who peer pressure me to ditch and disregard everyone around me; 

I am leader who chooses better influences 

Lies still get the best of me;

I am not perfect 

As the one child that will graduate with advanced courses 

I am going to college 

Making mistakes and acknowledging my failures

I am still learning 

Lying on a hospital bed listening to my mother whose eyes were full of despair, ask "why?"

I am now grateful of life and accept the obstacles that come my way

I chose to change 

I chose to be the person I wanted to be

I chose the person I am

I chose to succeed 

I am the one child who took charge of my life

I am the child who fought 

I am the child who now is going through trials of captivation and happiness

I am free