My Name Is Mike

My name is Mike.
I am not who they said I was.
I am not what they said I am.

I am not what I was.
I am not what I used to be.

I am not the victim.
I am not the dysfunction that they bequeathed to me.

I am part love.
I am part hope and faith.

I am true with trust.
I am sweet with kindness.

And I am smart with curiosity.
Open with wonder.

I am blessed with value.
And I stand on principle.

My life is not fear.
I judge myself, and do not accept judgement.

I claim only what is mine.
Only what I am.

Only who I choose to be.

My name is Mike.