They are afraid.
Afraid of my eyes,
afraid of my talons.
They think I snap,
I paralyze, I ravage.
They think I kill.
They are afraid.
Afraid of my invincibility,
afraid of my strength.
They think I am a villain.
They are afraid.
Afraid of my scales,
afraid of my fire.
They think I am vengeful,
And cruel,
And corrupt.
They think I am heartless.
But I do not kill.
I am not vengeful.
I am not cruel.
I am not corrupt.
I have a heart.
Inside my great armored chest
It beats.
Thundering loud and clear
It beats.
Inside of me,
Behind my fangs,
And my claws,
And beneath
The fire in my belly.
Behind this
Fearsome body.
Is somebody who
Just wants to love
Somebody
Who wants to be loved.
Don’t be afraid.
Maria Maisy Meyer is in 7th grade and is 13 years old.