When you struggle your whole life
to become what you want to,
you continue to know who you are.
One may set their mind on a goal
and how they see their own self -
as the image others may focus on is off by far.

When you remain in the presence
of those holding you back,
the others continue to see what they want to see.
All the thoughts- not on the same track.

The others may stereotype you in
a place where you don’t belong
and a being you are not.
Do the others stereotype you
with a name you are labeled by?
Remaining in their presence, you’ll continue to rot.

For they have not accepted you for anymore
than the positive things you have achieved.
Nor, the accomplishment of goals in store;
nor the thoughts you have believed.

Some learn from their past mistakes;
forgiving themselves from within-
they move on... putting their past to rest.
While others continue to see what you forgave,
they bring up your past amongst others-
which is really not for the best.

See not what you want to see;
hear not what you want to hear.
Grow with the precious being who loves you,
and neither of you will live in fear.

Fear of losing a friend-
to each will be a loss.
But, more to the one only wanting to see.
Then, the one looks again, and you are not there.
Now, you live your life to your own expectations.
Continuing to be yourself, you realize you are free.

Marcas B. Sterling
Feb. 4, 1992