Becoming My Own Home

I gave my heart where it wasn’t protected, Stayed kind even when I felt neglected, Built bridges alone kept the peace each time, Calling my silence strength and my patience a crime. I believed love meant learning to bend, To hold on tightly to never offend, But I was breaking in places unseen, Smiling outside torn in between. One day I stopped asking to be understood, Stopped shrinking myself just to feel good, I let the noise fade the masks fall away, I chose honesty over words I couldn’t say. Now I walk alone but I walk aware, No borrowed purpose no empty care, I build my life with deliberate hands, Rooted in truth on my own terms I stand. I am no longer searching for a place to belong, I was home all along and always be strong, And if the world never learns my name, I still rise whole untouched by the same.