There was a time
When their snide remarks
Echoed
Through the caverns of my brain
And their questions
Lined with malice
Cut deep each time

Now though
The pain is slow to come
And their hate
Mere drops of water

I am strong
I remember
When I am not respected
And the water falls

I am strong
I remind myself
When people look and laugh
The water falls

I am strong
I convince myself
When I realize
My family will never understand
The water keeps on falling

I am strong
I try and say
When water turns to tears
And the rock I had become
Had weathered away
Leaving my heart open and hurt

I am strong
I tell myself
When I rebuild my stone
Protect myself from hurt
Love that turns sour
And communities that will never again be mine

I am strong I know
Though at time I feel weak
Since in the end I did the hardest thing

I am strong
Since I stayed when I wanted to run
I am strong
When my voice carried loud in my song
I am strong
Since I loved when I wanted to hate
I am strong
I am here
I’m not going away

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