Best Entry in Poetry

 

I Am Strong
by Lynval Gray ’06

When the world around me
may hate me for who I am,
I’ll make sure they know
I don’t give a damn.

I rejoice in the fact that
I am different.
That’s enough to make me happy,
live my life and be efficient.

I smile in the face of adversity,
taking comfort in my diversity.
I am different, that I do accept.
Why can’t you? I will not deflect.

You call me a freak, and mentally ill.
I don’t care what you say, you won’t break my will.
I am a threat to the very fabric of society you say.
And all that I ask for is my right to be gay.

I pay my taxes
and vote for my right to be free.
What right do you have,
not letting me be?

I am strong.
You hate the fact on you I don’t rely on.
I am persistent, my demands are consistent.
I will be me despite what you may say.

So get used to it.
I will always be this way.
I am strong.