Tale of a Former Black Sheep

For years I wore your shame as my own and lived unknown in terror of being seen like a leper self-quarantined intrinsically unclean Your neglect became to me my insignificance undeserving of your glance Your abuse became to me my fault and utter blame my soiled but rightful name Your abandonment to me was my unworthiness unfit and valueless 'Til this layered shame became a camouflaging cloak wrapped about with care disguising me as if I wasn't even there How I avoided them my friends so true for they could plainly see the agony in me and I couldn't control it radiating through Yet butterflies won't stay bound in crippling cocoons integrity impugned by wings that cannot fly- and I at last have found the answer to my wounds in exposing you and all your lies You were cruel- I do matter You were guilty- I am not to blame You were unfit- I am worthy You nearly destroyed me- But I overcame Now my only dread is of leaving this world as un-notably as I came as invisibly as I lived to be known only by others as unredeemed as you thought me to be- No! the truth will set me free... I humbly give this cloak to you it was yours to wear not mine to share I'm through I'm through I'm through.