I am what I am, 
For I was what I was, 
Releasing what once mattered, 
Holding on to what was not. 
  
I once shied away, 
From the self that was my own, 
Yearning to be someone else, 
Unaware I already was. 
  
Love, I viewed with hate, 
Growing to despise the love within, 
For myself and others, 
Thinking being different was the path. 
  
I reached a point to leap, 
To kill the lifeless within, 
But I chose life over death, 
Only to shed another's existence. 
  
Now I rise like Lady Lazarus, 
With remnants of the past on my skin, 
Lessons etched in pores and soul, 
As I forge the self I crave. 
  
I move, at times just crawl, 
Becoming the one I yearn to be, 
Unhindered by any force, even my own, 
I embrace the freedom to be me. 
  
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This post represents the author’s personal views and experiences. iDare doesn’t endorse or take responsibility for the opinions expressed.