What can you do?

Wash this face and still the same

just less grime

Every wrinkle, shadow, and strain still intact

Why should I cover up my memories and stories

with the palettes of others expectations, limitations, without any consideration

For my wants, my needs, my aspirations

Well hey, what can you do?

When everyone is spouting words that say only no, only if, and never

I can only shout back yes, will, and always

Who are you to say that I can’t

Expectations are only suggestions, not definition

I will act as I please, say as I please, do as I please

Because what destruction will come of me

if I create my own me

Rather than the deluded version you want me to be

I will put on no front, no face, no filter of those lies

I will shed my own light, own color

whether dark or bright

I will embrace it as my own

and make the most of what I got

because I don’t need your help

to be beautiful

Because I already am.