For All Those Who Have Been Humiliated

I’ve been holding out

Believing that patience is a virtue

When, in truth, I am beyond frustration

To save you from the offence of having to take me as I am

I died a little every day

I toned myself down, made myself smaller

Dulled it all a little

No stride, no demands

I went underground

Thinking I’d find solace in the subterranean depths

Except: this cannot be contained or constrained

Nor should it be

This is what no-one could see

This is what was hidden

Now, out in the daylight, blinking a little uncertainly

Yet breathing that much more easily

I’m thankful.