I'm sorry it took me so long to say
The truth I've held but didn't know the way
Words got stuck, my voice couldn't break free
But I found my path in poetry
This poem will reveal the truth I hold
If not, my thoughts will swallow me whole
Bullies whispered rumors spread wide
A broken home where no one confides
Arguments flare then fade away
Pretending nothing happened day after day
California's chaos, I don't belong
Smokers and fighters are all acting wrong
My heart pulls east where my roots remain
To Mississippi's arms to love, not strain
I long for my brothers, my mom, my dad
For my best friend and the good times we've had
Senior year there, then college dreams
Chasing my goals, building my own streams
I will still pursue my dreams, a firefighter’s way,
It might take longer, but I’ve found my say.
This is the first choice I am truly sure of,
You don’t have to think what’s best—I am mature.
I’ve grown, and I’ve learned while I’ve been here,
Now it’s time to put it to use without fear.
I won’t cut you out, I’ll keep you near,
Even if at first, communication isn’t clear.
I fear your anger, I fear your shame
The guilt you place on the blame claim
But silence eats me, my voice is chained
And staying quiet leaves only pain
I've tried to stay and bend to cope
But living like this has dulled my hope
Each day feels heavy, trapped in gray
I need my home, I can't stay this way
So please hear me now before it's too late
I must go home, I won't hesitate
Home is calling my heart, can't stay
I choose my life ill find my way
I thank you for all you’ve done for me,
The love, the care, the memories.
But I promised myself to follow through,
To chase my dreams, to see them through.
I don’t need your belief, I believe in me,
No matter the road, no matter the sea.
I will accomplish my goals, my life, my plan,
And rise above, the best I can.
And though it hurts to leave behind
The people here are the ties that bind
My soul needs peace, my spirit needs air
A place of love, a life that's fair
I write these words to set me free
To show the world who I can be
No guilt, no fear can hold me down
I'll chase my dreams and reclaim my crown
So hear me now before it's too late, like I said, I won't hesitate
Home is calling my heart, can't stay
I choose my life ill find my way
I kept quiet for so long, scared to speak the truth
Scared of how y'all would react in my youth
But I've grown, I've learned, I've become strong
I will no longer be scared to speak my mind or be wrong
So whether you like it or not, I will leave this town,
To live my life somewhere else, without being held down.
I hope you support me, but this I vow,
It will happen, and nothing can stop me now.
Apr 1
Apr 1, 2026 at 7:50 PM UTC
I'm sorry it took me so long to say
The truth I've held but didn't know the way
Words got stuck, my voice couldn't break free
But I found my path in poetry
This poem will reveal the truth I hold
If not, my thoughts will swallow me whole
Bullies whispered rumors spread wide
A broken home where no one confides
Arguments flare then fade away
Pretending nothing happened day after day
California's chaos, I don't belong
Smokers and fighters are all acting wrong
My heart pulls east where my roots remain
To Mississippi's arms to love, not strain
I long for my brothers, my mom, my dad
For my best friend and the good times we've had
Senior year there, then college dreams
Chasing my goals, building my own streams
I will still pursue my dreams, a firefighter’s way,
It might take longer, but I’ve found my say.
This is the first choice I am truly sure of,
You don’t have to think what’s best—I am mature.
I’ve grown, and I’ve learned while I’ve been here,
Now it’s time to put it to use without fear.
I won’t cut you out, I’ll keep you near,
Even if at first, communication isn’t clear.
I fear your anger, I fear your shame
The guilt you place on the blame claim
But silence eats me, my voice is chained
And staying quiet leaves only pain
I've tried to stay and bend to cope
But living like this has dulled my hope
Each day feels heavy, trapped in gray
I need my home, I can't stay this way
So please hear me now before it's too late
I must go home, I won't hesitate
Home is calling my heart, can't stay
I choose my life ill find my way
I thank you for all you’ve done for me,
The love, the care, the memories.
But I promised myself to follow through,
To chase my dreams, to see them through.
I don’t need your belief, I believe in me,
No matter the road, no matter the sea.
I will accomplish my goals, my life, my plan,
And rise above, the best I can.
And though it hurts to leave behind
The people here are the ties that bind
My soul needs peace, my spirit needs air
A place of love, a life that's fair
I write these words to set me free
To show the world who I can be
No guilt, no fear can hold me down
I'll chase my dreams and reclaim my crown
So hear me now before it's too late, like I said, I won't hesitate
Home is calling my heart, can't stay
I choose my life ill find my way
I kept quiet for so long, scared to speak the truth
Scared of how y'all would react in my youth
But I've grown, I've learned, I've become strong
I will no longer be scared to speak my mind or be wrong
So whether you like it or not, I will leave this town,
To live my life somewhere else, without being held down.
I hope you support me, but this I vow,
It will happen, and nothing can stop me now.