Reflection

I see you,
Long, dark strands of hair,
Marks of puberty upon your cheek,
Clavicles beneath your skin,
Curves upon curves,
Eyes deep brown and secret. 

I see you,
In classrooms,
In offices,
Among the many
And defined by the few. 

I see you,
In dreams of vivid color,
With eyes wide
And searching
For understanding. 

I see you,
Stigmatized unknowingly
Simply for being,
Out of place
In a world
With fear of the unknown. 

I see you,
In my mirror,
Someone educated,
Hardworking,
Respected,
And
Mentally ill. 

I see you,
As you are
Reflected:
Waiting for change,
Acceptance,
And not seen as different.