A hero—could I be a hero?
A hero hidden behind these glasses like Superman?
A hero behind this sweet smile like Peter Pan?
A child surrounded by family, yet alone—out of place.
Young and full of thought—silenced and abused by every face.
The trees, the breeze—they listen to me sing and cry.
I wished for death—for freedom from this dark—yet years passed by.
One night—out of my mind—I cried and begged the Lord to take me.
The moon peered down and hugged me with her light—her baby.
I looked to her and saw her words: “I’m here, be good—fly with the birds.
“Don’t give up because of hurt; doing that will keep you in the dirt.”
I picked up a pen and started to write my pains and wishes.
My mother told me I would be better off washing dishes.
I wrote, I sang, I drew, I tried, but I couldn’t be good enough—I asked them “Why?”
They laughed and criticized—made me feel like I wasn’t meant to touch the sky.
With these eyes I’ve cried rivers—oceans of tears,
Thinking I could never get away from here. How could I prove that I’m more than ears?
The moon, she told me “Don’t you cry.” I looked to her and asked her “Why am I still alive?”
The trees stood up to whisper with the wind, “Pay no mind to the bees and their kin.
They don’t see your heart, they don’t hear your wise.
Your love is bright and true to light the way for many lives.
Don’t give up—fight—we hear your cries. You’re worth so much more than the look in your eyes.”
I look to the stars—they glitter, they sparkle.
I decide right then that I’m here to help the people.
I know every sting and cut of worthlessness.
I know the dark and the cold of loneliness.
I know the empty void of hopelessness.
You are worth my time, my effort, my light, my thought.
You are worthy of my heart, body, soul, and tears.
And protect you with all my might.
I’m here—for you—a hero in disguise.
