Like a phoenix

they threw

words like daggers

from behind

their glowing screens

not because

you weren’t enough

but because

they feared you were

you questioned your smile

your softness

your fire

because someone

who never met you

told you to

but darling—

those who tear you down

are only trying

to reach

where you already stand

don’t shrink

for frightened voices

don’t bend

to broken mirrors

rise.

again.

again.

again.

like a phoenix

like you always do

like you always will—

because you

are

worth it.