Waiting

For this I have waited all my life.
For this I have sweat, cried, and worked my mind numb.

Only now, 10 years later,
Do I reap a reward I have longed for all my life.

Only now,
Only now,
Only now do I find them looking at me with respect.

Only now can I hold my head high and smile when they laugh at me.
For this is my moment.
A small moment, but significant.

A dream made real.
A hope come alive.
No idiot teacher who says that I am nothing...

No class bully who breaks me down in front of others.
No asshole who teaches forgiveness
but is the one who is hurting others around him.

Today I am who I am supposed to be.
It just took me a while longer to get there.

But you...
You... You just smile and go on with your perfect little life.

Not knowing what others go through.
looking, but choosing not to see their pain.
Hearing, but choosing not to listen to their anguish.

Am I making sense to you?
I do not care.
I am who I am supposed to be.
It just took me a while longer to get there.

And I am HAPPY.