Survivor

open windows, judgment hailing

at me, waiting for the change.

but it will never be. 

fishbowl lives, looking out, they see me 

wondering why i can't flop back to my bowl. 

wondering why i struggle against their will, 

not knowing i was forged from different metal.

they put their shades down to shield their children, 

their shades have mirrors on the outside. 

hoping i will see myself struggle and give up. 

but i am strong, the fire within me fuels my soul. 

that burning that grows within me,  

created from their hatred. 

they do not know, 

that it is the same fire the pushes me forward. 

i will strive, i will conquer.

 i am not sure what meets me in the end, 

it is the journey that i live for, there might not ever be a reward. 

a gift, a place to settle my weary soul to rest in security and peace. 

but i am a survivor of my circumstance. 

i will not allow others to victimize me, 

to reduce me to a syrup, to be molded then hardened for their liking. 

i push on, i sweat on, i am lonely, but i am strong.