A Tribute

I wrote this poem in 1982, age 15. Growing up I always felt like an outsider, different from my peers. As an adult I have come to appreciate that we are all unique, that being different can be a strength, and that fitting in is not always desirable. I wanted to be accepted and be part of a group growing up, yet it was when I truly went my own way as a grown-up that I found my soul tribe.

You –

The companions of my youth

I pay this tribute

To you –

 

That through the days

Of carefree happiness

And sorrow

I grew in person

In maturity

And depth.

 

You hurt me

Yet each wound is now

A blessing.

 

You –

The peers of my youth

I pay this tribute

To you –

 

That the torture

You inflicted

Upon me

Has made me into

A poet.

 

That the injustice

You meted out

To me

Has made me clearer

As to what justice

Means to me –

 

That the immaturity

With which you behaved

Has made me

More mature

Than ever.

 

I pay this tribute

To you –

That by being your worst

To me

You have made me the best

I am.

 

Vanita Shukla Hork, 1982 

 

If you liked this poem, you will enjoy my book Memories from another Lifetime: Pain.  Available on Amazon, free on KindleUnlimited. Please do leave a review.