Some say that all differences deserve to be celebrated.

The red carpet rolled out.

Announced for the world to see.

Aspects of humanity shown distinctly.

As varied as the stones in the earth.

All valuable in their own right.

***

They mistake a curse for a blessing.

A wound for a tattoo.

Those that know what it means to be truly broken.

Having doors repeatedly shut in the face until the nose is bleeding and broken.

Forced to face harsh reality at an age far too young.

Just to be told that the disablement is a beautiful thing.

***

Do not insult my intelligence.

I know what sits behind that strength.

All those walls you have built to survive.

Paved with pain and decorated with the glitter of loss.

Learning to move forward because it is the only option.

Making do with what you have, you chose to build.

***

I want to be celebrated, just not for that.

Please balance out the lows with new highs.

Show me that I am more than my limits.

That you love me for more than what brings constant pain.

You can throw me the biggest celebration in the entire world.

Just never deny the pain I have accepted as history.