I’m still here

I’ve walked the streets
alone and barefoot
endured the mocking
the judging
the pain
and I’m still here

I’ve walked the streets alone
shards of judgment ripped through my feet
tearing at my skin
lacerating my soul
and I’m still here

I’ve walked the streets alone
to escape the condescending eyes
that think they know better
but have never seen the horror
one human can inflict on another
and I’m still here

I’ve walked the streets alone
carrying the weight of unjustified shame
because they told me
that’s how it was supposed to be
and I’m still here

I’ve walked the streets alone
naked, yet clothed
my feet accepting
the sharp, the jagged, the rough
vitriol directed toward me
and I’m still here

I’ve walked the streets alone
endured the humiliation
the guilt
the blame
that was never mine to accept
I survived
and I’m still fucking here