I'm not a cliche.

Don’t put me in a cliché.
Because my hair it dark,
Or I’m female,
Or I said something stupid the other day.
I don’t want to fit it
By default.
I don’t want to blend in.

But fear has me here, blending
Fitting
Surviving.
Your words keep me here
Disdain. Discouragement.
Lack of love and missing hope.
Maybe fear has a grip on you.

You say what you want,
Harsh words and empty thoughts.
But my mouth won’t say these words.
Out loud they don’t make sense.
Out loud they would hurt.

Strength. One day. To fight.
Past mistakes tease, edging closer
Taunting, yelling.
Begging me to give up.
I failed once. Twice.
Why try?
Because yesterday is gone.
Fear will lose it’s grip.

So don’t mould me.
Don’t shape me to be
Who you think I am.

I am standing here,
Demanding respect.
Requesting you to see me
Just for who I am.
Me.

I will surprise you
I won’t give up.