Changed

I am just a child, why is everyone so critical?

I’m being treated like a criminal.

Can anybody hear me? Is anybody listening?

Please explain to me what is happening.

No one is interested; I’m all on my own

I still have questions, but now I’m grown

I’m being held responsible for what I was taught.

I’m just trying to survive, but that’s not what they thought

The stigma and stereotype kept me in my place.

To society, I was a disgrace

Is there any hope for me? What will I become?

I’m such a bad person; I’ll only become a bum.

Ruth, who do you see when you look in the mirror?

I can’t see me, the image is a blur

What are your interests? What is your grievance?

I can learn what they are; I just need a little guidance.

I don’t know what you’ve been through

But I can see you lost your self-value

I think you simply lost your way in life

But my dear, you CAN live a life free from strife

Making mistakes doesn’t make us immoral

What are you saying? Do you think I’m normal?

Yes, my dear; you are not the only sinner

You are only human and there are other attributes to consider.

I never heard anyone say that before.

So many others said I was a whore.

This is great news that I thank you for telling

I rose up that day from a dark, lonely dwelling.

I can do something with my life after all

Now I’m determined - up from the bottom I will crawl.

I know the power and strength I hold within me

I will never again have to feel so empty

I am forgiven and now I can forgive

Helping others is now my motive

Even my battle with labels is over and done

I never knew life could be so much fun

Getting to know me is a work in progress

I can relax, just who am I trying to impress?

Because of Him my life was rearranged

I love my life. THANK GOD I’M CHANGED!!

Copyright © 2016  by Ruth Rondon