A/N: Hey there you lovely people, I just wanted to tell you a bit what this poem is about before you start reading it. In sixth grade, I was really insecure about my Trach that's around my neck and my face. I was really miserable, and I didn't feel at home with my own skin. Then, my mom told me about a camp I could go for kids with Trachs like me, but I refused. Mom forced me to go anyway, and I couldn't thank her enough. I got to meet many amazing people; I'm so glad my mom found out about this camp.

Hope you enjoy reading!

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In sixth grade, I was my own worst enemy

I would stare at my own reflection

Wondering why I didn't feel at home in my body

Wondering why all I heard were my demon's voices filling up my mind

They screamed, "You are ugly, you are ugly, you are ugly."

I was surrounded by people who didn't look much like me

My face was one of a kind

And that was not a good thing

I hated the way my lips were always turned down

The material wrapped around my neck choked me in its ugliness and despair

I wanted to rip this Trach of mine right out of my neck

And I wanted to scrub this face of mine right off

My insecurities filled up my heart, my mind, my everything

I was cut and bruised with my own insecurities

Then, my mom told me about a safe haven

She told me about a haven that I could go to

And all of my demons, all of my insecurities, all of my miseries would wash away

But I refused to go

I refused because when you've been stuck in a deep black hole of misery and insecurity for so long...

You could get comfortable in it

That black hole starts to eat away at your heart, your mind, and your whole being

All of you would get consumed by this black hole of misery and insecurities and demons

But my mom insisted

She took my hand

And she guided me

Towards this haven

In this haven,

I met a man with gray hair and a warm smile

I met a woman who's laughter filled the room

I met a strong, beautiful girl who could embrace you with her smile

And I immediately knew

That I found my new home