I know what people think.

I know what they say behind my back.

I've heard the whispers and the laughter

I've seen the pitying looks they give me and the expressions of

        disgust that cross their sickened faces as I shuffle sadly by.

I know I embarrass them

I know I make them feel ill at ease

I know they'd rather I sneaked away and died in some dark,

        forgotten corner, never to be seen or heard of again.

I know all this,

Know it only too well.

But let me tell you one thing:

 

I was not always as you see me now.