I'm sorry I pierced a hole in my ear you think symbolizes defiance
I'm sorry my hair isn't the blonde I was born with and kept for 18 years
I'm sorry I cried when I first dyed my hair because I had never truly loved myself before that moment
I'm sorry I hid in my bathroom and turned on the shower so you wouldn't hear me gasping for breath, while trying to stay indestructible
I'm sorry I never forgave you for making me feel the need to hide.
I'm sorry for embarrassing you in front of your friends because the shirt on my back and the shorts on my waist were a shade too dark and my hair a shade too bright.
I'm sorry I made you late to important functions because I was busy adding another layer to my already hardened face
I'm sorry you think I don't understand and maybe never will.
I'm sorry you thought I'd get better when I turned 14, then 15, and 16.
And then came home at 18 and made you cry.
I'm sorry I didn't impress anyone with my ACT score and am unsuccessful at math.
I'm sorry for blaming you for my insecurities and my lack of emotion at the dinner table.
I'm sorry for becoming so accustomed to being told "to shut up" I stopped sharing my life with strangers.
I'm sorry I remember more good than bad sometimes and I got hurt.
I'm sorry I felt the need to hurt you back.
I won't ever be what I'm supposed to.
I won't be the most intelligent or charismatic person in the room.
I'll keep trying but
I'm sorry I'm me.