I proclaim myself as a strong individual, Someone who has battled long and hard to be standing here today. You all see a boy with a strange personality, Quirky and fun. but I see a boy with scars- inside and out. I see a boy who has lived a rough life, one not to remember. A novel where the chapters seem to get longer and longer, and I’m just sitting here; typing away. I see a boy who has been ravished left and right, Being held down by strings and torment. Touched by the cold-bitter hands, Taught that my lifestyle is against Will, Treated like a grain of sand caught under life's shoe. I see a boy who has fought back from rubble, to escape from the rumors and voices that were placed in my “narrow” head Shadowed under alcohol, knives, and inner-depression, Chased under the slanders of "You’re not good enough." Then those who speak, “It'll get better.” I see a boy who is confused about what his true intentions are, Being marked as different, being marked as the same. I see a boy who is confused, who walks the halls and runs miles, with a fake smile and a pumped up chest. Just like the man who took advantage of me. Just like the man who follows me till this day. I see a boy who stands here today with these battled scars, who just tries over and over again, but can never get fulfillment with this audience With these people I call my friends. I see a boy who is tired. A boy who is bruised, shamed, constricted and marbleized Into what you may ask? This boy has no idea himself.