Lesbian

I grew up in a world of quiet pain,

Where voices judged me again and again.

At school, on the streets, and even at home,

I felt unseen, and often alone.

I was taught to stay silent, to follow the rules,

Where only one voice decided what’s “right” or “true.”

Where strength was valued, and softness ignored,

And opinions of others were often restored.

At home, one voice led every decision,

No space for doubt, no room for revision.

I learned to listen, to hold back my own,

Even when my thoughts deserved to be known.

My father, in his own quiet way,

Showed me respect can exist without force or display.

That kindness and honesty matter each day,

And real strength doesn’t push others away.

I have a friend who understands me inside,

Who shares a similar path we can’t hide.

But some truths still feel hard to reveal,

When the world isn’t ready to feel what is real.

For a time, I wished to become someone else,

To fit into roles that I was told to embrace.

Because in the world I grew up to see,

Not all voices were treated equally.

But slowly I learned, deep in my heart,

That love is not something you can just restart.

And the love I feel grows honest and true,

Gentle and warm, in all that I do.

And now I understand, with clarity and grace,

That I don’t need to change who I am to have a place.

I am allowed to feel, to love, to be free,

And to accept the person inside of me.