We, the Strong

If you have

wept your face to leather,

washed your youth away in a sea of salty tears;

if you have

discovered how to present yourself

to the world as you are, with no excuses

and nothing, no one, to hide behind;

if you have

learned the courage of

weeping without shame, head held high

and silent tears flowing like baptismal waters...

then you know

that learning

to stand tall at the epicenter of the milling crowd,

arms outstretched,

calm and naked

to cold eyes and criticism, 

is to learn

that you are who you are and you remain the same,

regardless of who is looking at you,

and you will have found

your freedom,

your peace,

your power.

Come,

we will stand,

together.