On Pink Shirt Day
I'd like to thank all the people who have hurt me
Those who have doubted me
The ones who pushed me till I broke
The bullies whose hearts were unmoved by my torrential tears
I'd like to say thank you
To the girls who have made fun of the way I dress
To the boys who have made fun of my weight
To the teachers who crushed my dreams
To the naysayers who were biased against me
To the adults who made me feel worthless
To the ex-friends who betrayed my secrets
To the professors who made me feel worthless and wrong for wearing a hijab
To the classmates who were surprised that "your people can speak English so well!"
To the children whose parents raised them not to care about their tutors
To the (extended) family members who have hurt me and my parents
To all the people who have jeered at my beliefs
Thank you one and all
You have made me stronger, more passionate and determined
To get up everyday
And prove just how wrong you are
I have thrived on your spite
