Not A Puzzle Piece

By Pamela Ibarra

I am not a puzzle piece.

Stop forcing me. 

I don't want to "fit in".

I am unique—

not incomplete,

not broken,

not something society or medicine needs to fix.

Not a disease that needs to be cured.

And no—

A demon didn't take over my soul.

Oh, the misconceptions,

the judgment,

the ignorance.

My brain is programmed differently.

but beautifully.

It is you who need to learn from me.

I am who I want to be.

It’s not my fault.

This world was never built for me.

I feel unique—

just let me breathe,

live freely,

exist completely.

Be patient,

be kind,

and have some sympathy.

I’m a motherfuckin' masterpiece.

So, live your life—

and let me be.

By Pamela Ibarra