Sticks and stones may break my bones but…

I was 11 when she wrote me a letter explaining all the reasons why everyone hated me

So then I forever thought they did

I was 12 when she pointed and cackled at my lack of upper lip

Now I’m 31 and have scar tissue from the multiple lip injections I’ve gotten

Sticks and stones may break your bones

I was 13 when they asked me why I always had my hair up because all it did was showcase my elf ears

Now it pains me every time I have to put it up

I was 14 when he laughed at how my freckles looked like mud on my face

So I hide myself from the sun

I was 15 when I heard the term thunder thighs for the first time

So I stopped wearing shorts

I was 16 when I was told being skinny meant being good

So I began to count calories

I was 18 when he tried to take my worth

And my shame made me take on the blame

I was 20 when he called me an embarrassment

So I made myself quiet

But words will forever haunt you.

I spent my 20s giving my body to men, blacking out to make myself fun or bailing on experiences because who would want a fat, ugly, unlovable girl around.

I turned 30 and asked myself if this is the life I wanted to live

And I was 31 when I finally decided it wasn’t.

Sticks and stones may break your bones

But words will forever haunt you.