the roots never left

The world was never kind,

kicking me out so young,

forcing me to fight for a truth

that others couldn't see.

But even when the door was shut,

I carried that truth with me—

deep in my chest,

under my ribs,

where nobody could take it.

I never changed who I was,

I simply stepped closer

to the person I always knew

was hiding underneath

the confusion,

the pain,

the longing.

I've grown through time—

like roots pushing through the earth,

never changing the essence of the tree,

only growing stronger,

more solid,

more sure of itself.

And though the leaves may change,

the trunk remains,

steady and firm,

just like I am,

still me,

still whole.