I Am Not the Lies

I Am Not the Lies

by Pandi Silverpaw

I am not the lies you whispered into my bones.

I am not the weight you tried to hang around my name.

I am not worthless.

I was never worthless.

I deserve to be loved —

not conditionally,

not cautiously,

not only when I am convenient.

I am more than what you see.

More than your judgment.

More than your need to define me.

I will not be ruled by fear.

Not yours.

Not mine.

Not the ghosts of yesterday.

If I try and fail — at least I rise.

Failure is not a verdict.

It is a lesson carved into stone.

It is proof that I dared.

I am more than what you need me for.

More than the role you assigned me.

More than the mask you preferred.

I refuse to live imprisoned by the fear of your beliefs.

Your chains no longer fit my wrists.

Yes, I was born to you —

but my true birth is the moment I claim myself.

The moment I choose who I am.

I will always work on myself.

Not because I am broken —

but because I am becoming.

I love myself.

Not perfectly.

Not always easily.

But truly.

You cannot control me with fear.

I am no longer yours to shape.

I am my own becoming.