They Don't Know Me

I looked in the mirror and thought about everything they told me.

Every word, every sentence, every day, I heard people telling who I should be.

From the day I was born to this very moment, the memories came flooding back.

Their voices in my head trying to silence my own, making me feel like I’m under attack.

But they don’t know me.

You’re a daughter they said and a sister,

With the temper of a twister.

A smart little girl with a wonderfully bright mind,

But brains won’t find you a husband, unless he’s blind.

But they don’t know me.

I used to cry but now I smile, and my reflection does as well.

The pain of rejection and the fear of failure was a never-ending carousel.

Now I know I am safe, and I know I am loved,

I’m finally happy when push comes shove.

Do they still think they know me?

If I could go back and find myself when I was small,

I would wrap myself in my own arms and let myself bawl.

For now, I am strong but then I was weak.

For my weakness gave them their winning streak.

They don’t know me.

And if I saw them again, I would go up and say,

I should have said something years ago when you were in my way.

Instead now I’ll just laugh with glee,

Because you don’t know me.