Unspokened self

Quiet resistance, unsanctioned pain

I am someone

who has lived through the confusion of identity.

So I know deeply-

how lonely,

how painful,

how unspeakable that confusion can be.

I know what it’s like to fight against people who couldn’t understand,

just to preserve the smallest piece of my self-worth.

But now

that pain has become a banner,

that wound has become a pass,

-

and some wield it to silence others,

to reshape institutions,

to monopolize the right to speak.

People like me,

the ones who suffered quietly,

are told we no longer have the right to speak.

And I resent that.

#This phrase is taken from an original poem currently under editorial review for publication. Kindly respect the integrity of the work and refrain from reproducing or referencing it without permission.