"sorry"

is my greeting

my catch phrase,

apologizing

for the smallest things

even when you

bump into me

"sorry" I still say

I let you criticize

every one of my values

and don't open my mouth

I let you tell me

I have no friends

I am ugly

I am stupid

I am unloved

"sorry" I say

as I start to believe it

you fill me with anguish

and insecurities

yet I sit in silence

trying not to cry.

When will be the day

that I will be

the strong woman

I want to be,

to stand up for myself,

when the only thing

I will apologize for

is not defending myself

sooner

"sorry"

I whisper to myself

as I let you hurt me