This Is Who I Am

Back in the day when I was a young girl,

They said my teeth should be white as a pearl.

They said I needed makeup to be glam,

But now I know that this is who I am.

In middle school, they said I was too fat,

And that my hair was a little bit flat.

I cried and cried until I was pale blue,

I thought that I just needed something new.

They made fun of the way my skin was hued,

I didn’t know how kids could be so rude.

I started taking all of their advice,

Which only led to my further demise.

After many years of not being me,

Out of these constructs, I needed to be.

In order to “glow up” I concluded,

You don’t need clothes or to be included.

In high school, I began to be more me,

I thought that maybe that would be the key.

I focused more on taking my exams,

And now I know that this is who I am.

To stop caring what others think of you,

Just know that you’re strong enough to pass through,

Inside there is a light bright as a star,

And remember that this is who you are.