I’m breaking down
The walls
That kept me
Protected
Disconnected
Unaffected
By criticism
Comments
That used to just
Roll off my back
Now hurt me
I feel like
I’ve lost my skin
But I don’t want
To build up
The same walls again
So where do I begin
Is this my new normal
Am I supposed to
Stay this way
And learn how
To stand up for myself
When someone says
Or does something
That isn’t okay
I think there’s a way
To be vulnerable
And strong
At the same time
I’ve just never
Tried before
I’ve let people walk
All over me
So I had material to
Resent them for
And because
I needed them
To like me
But I don’t need that
Anymore
I don’t think this is
A phase
I’m going through
Or something
That I should try
And get over
So if you want to be
In my life
I’d suggest
You get on board
Learn how to be kind
Or go
Because
I’m gonna stay open
And continue to grow
And make this
My new normal