You didn’t know this.

But I wanted to quit

Every single day

That your attempts

At making me uncomfortable,

They worked.

That your gearing

Comments,

And angry yelling

Scared me.

That every time

I was bodied to the ground,

I wanted to give up.

That every time

I failed to keep up

It was just another reason.

You didn’t know this,

Because I never wanted

You to know

You were winning.

Somehow.

I didn’t let you.

And now,

We can stand

Side by side,

And call each other.

Friend.