I Stand As I Am Sonnet.

I stand as I am, unmasked before the day,

No borrowed face, no role I choose to wear;

I will not bend my truth to light your way,

Nor trade my soul for praise I cannot share.

I know my faults; they walk beside my name,

Yet still I strive with all the strength I own;

Though I am flawed, I feel no need for shame,

For every scar has taught me how I’ve grown.

If what you see should fail to meet your mind,

Then turn away; I will not beg your grace.

Your judgement is a mirror for your kind,

Not chains that I must fasten to my face.

So let me be: imperfect, proud, and free,

For I belong to no one else but me.