A reflection of flaws

awakes my inner soul

and screams out with insecurity

as I am far from perfect.

However, I laugh

with crooked teeth

and childish dimples

as they collide with my smile.

Why?

Because I'm sick of dying

one cell at a time

as I pick myself apart

from the inside out.

I have hit rock bottom

and drowned in abuse,

betrayal,

lies,

depression,

and grief.

I should get credit

for not allowing

these emotions

to control my sanity.

I should get credit

for waking up

to the sun's light

every. single. morning.

I should get credit

for each time

I touched a metal blade,

but refused to let it touch me.

I should get credit

for never giving up

even when I felt like

there was no hope.

I should get credit

for all the strength

it took me to survive

the past sixteen years.

I should get credit.

I'm sick and tired

of pulling myself down

rather than lifting

my head up toards the sky

and I beg every last person in this world to do the same.