in seventh grade
my hair turned blue.
it was my hairstylist's mistake.
the black mixed with the blond.
but none of that is important.
what is important is
in seventh grade
my hair turned blue
and the words that followed
this statement being made aloud
used to be an embarrassment.
i used to be embarrassed
by what my teacher had told me
when really i should have listened.
when he overheard
and saw blue hair.
he told me something:
that i am a strong,
independent woman.
and that no matter
what life throws at me
whether it be blue hair,
or green hair,
or anything else.
i can hold my chin up.
i should have been
anything but embarrassed.
because that set of words
that mini speech in front of my peers,
has to be one of the most important parts
of my middle school years.