snide remarks, low snickers
sticks and stones still sting
when spit through clenched teeth

i’d much rather have you scar my skin
than leaving lesions on my heart
each bit of uprooted tissue
leaves me on the floor gasping for air

repeat the mantra that pulls me up
you’re worth it
you’re special
you deserve better

stitch the holes you cut
patch up my broken bones
i’m stronger than you know

now watch me move on
as you sit here and brood
you’re going nowhere
and i’m done with the abuse