Thank you

Written July 21, 2026

In sign language

there’s a common mistake

Only differentiated

By the slight adjustment of the hand.

It turns out there are many similarities

Between thank you and fuck you.

I think such might be true

In life.

I think about the girls

In my middle school science class.

They stole my journal, wrote awful insults

To compliment their explicit drawings.

After being bullied many times,

My mom transferred me to another school.

Where I found community and love.

So thank you.

I think about the voice teacher on Zoom

Who once she criticized my talking voice.

Told me to wear a bracelet every day

To remember to change my talking voice,

Mine was not compatible for good singing.

I chose to not compromise who I am.

I changed majors, and it was fabulous.

Now I sing for me, so thank you.

I think about my first kiss and what was said

During the date, right before it.

He said he was embarrassed of me.

He could not pinpoint why.

I continued to let him man manipulate me

Until the truth is revealed and set me free.

He gave me a crash course in red flags,

I now know better, so thank you.

I think about the woman who complained

To my supervisor.

I had just given a professional presentation.

She called me pushy and unkind.

How many trailblazing women

Have been called bitchy for showing Confidence and proficiency?

I am affirmed in my feminism, so thank you.

I think about the boss who fired me.

I just had a hysterectomy,

Dealing with terrible chemo.

When she treated me unkindly,

I asked for respect, instead I got yelled at.

A few days after I got fired,

I began to pursue my dreams in journalism.

I remain incredibly happy, so thank you.

There are more stories to share,

Each ending in the same vain:

People can be jerks, to say the least.

If you let it, they’re cruelty can teach you

Kindness, compassion, and resiliency.

In their own ways, they helped me find

Where I belong, my true path.

So, thank you, I like where I’m at.