I write my friends letters
Personalized to our shared experiences
I get them roses, pounds of candy
And tell them how beautiful they are

Some call me "the sweetest"
Or "the nicest they've ever known"
But I never believe it
I can't

These actions are normal to me
I give my friends and strangers gifts
To make their days brighter
Their smiles wider

Some yell when I deny their compliments
They don't understand
But how can they
When I don't myself

After I've been hated
Beaten
Abused for so long
How can I expect to be loved

The mental scars remain
From what my classmates did
What they still do
To bring down my spirits

So when given a compliment
I may smile
Say thank you
Or make an awkward gesture

But the thought that you took time
To say anything
Keeps my candle burning, continuing my life
To give more gifts to others

So to those who say thank you
Just two small words
Just know that the phrase itself
Makes me want to live more than anything