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.
