I used to think that if I sung to the rain it would go away

Ending my already bad day

Of having to stay indoors and listen to them argue

I used to think that

If a boy calls you names that means he likes you,

That when he raises his fist

He didn’t mean for his hits to hurt me

That was the only form of affection he could show

I used to think that

The furniture hated me when I stubbed my toe

That they got tired of seeing me dance around the living room

Trying to tune out all that I had been exposed too.

 

But now,

Now that I am 20

Now that I have grown

When I sing to the rain, I want it to stay

So I can appreciate my sunny days

Now I know

That boys degrade you

Men will praise you

Now when I dance

I move the furniture out of the way

Because the only thing, the only person that can stop me

From being great, is me.

 

 

Copyright 2019

Nairi Gilmer