• So ugly
    I always thought.
    People would stare.
    I often wondered
    'Is it my face?'
    'Is it my weight?'

    Time passed.
    Feelings developed.
    Words become weapons.
    Tears were adequate.
    Friends never understood.
    Blood flowed more.
    Pride became my fall.

    Past became my reminder.
    Everyday was a curse.
    Getting up
    To face the staring folks.
    To hear the back-stabbing whispers.
    To feel the banal pain.
    It was a routine.
    I thought
    There was no way out.

    I was wrong.
    There was Him.
    He drew me out.
    Out of the darkness and pain.
    Away from the whispers and stares.

    He gave me love.
    Love I never felt
    From my own father.
    Reminded me that I am beautiful.
    It was repeated in my head
    Until it drove out
    All the other affronts.

    Time passed.
    Feelings grew stronger.
    Words became kisses.
    Tears were dry.
    Friends came to senses.
    Blood stayed inside.
    Joy became my rise.

    The past is a speck of dust.
    I no longer wake up
    Cursing the sun for rising up.
    I go out
    Into a new day.
    To not face the lies of the evil one.
    To not hear the secretive rumors.
    To not feel the piercing pain.

    But alas
    To face a new challenge of life.
    To hear the laughter and joy of people.
    To feel my heart fill up.

    People often stop to stare.
    They compliment me
    And still turn their heads
    To look at me.
    So beautiful
    I now think.