I once was a tapestry of belief

Fortified by parables and good faith

Woven by my bloodline

Made up of rules and rituals

When I noticed a flaw in my picture

Something no one else portrayed

That’s when I first felt fear

You spotted my mistake, my rebellion

You cut my thread with hate

Vitriol and disgust because of my truest self

And you undid me

Stitch by stitch

I’ve spent years rebuilding myself

I am now a tapestry of joy

Fortified by tenacity and pride

Woven by the fingers of people who care for me

Made up of laughter and love

But every time I see you

I start to unravel

All over again