"Sheep" is a poem about seeing the physical differences in people, but realizing those differences are what makes people unique. It's amazing to be unique and there's nothing to be ashamed about.

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I am a tan sheep in a field of white sheep. I have always been a tan sheep from spending my kidhood outdoors in the sunshine as all sheep should. I am an almond eyed sheep in a field of wide eyed sheep. I have always been an almond eyed sheep because of my heritage. I am a short sheep in a field of tall sheep. I have always been a short sheep because of my genetics.

I do not belong in this pasture. I need to be with my own flock. I do not belong in this pasture. I need to be with sheep of my own kind. I do not belong in this pasture. I need to find my way home.

I am eating the wrong food for a sheep that looks like me. Can I not eat whatever I want? I am drinking the wrong drinks for a sheep that looks like me. Can I not drink whatever I want? I am wearing the wrong clothing for a sheep that looks like me. Can I not wear whatever I want?

I can hear the whispers. I am not a deaf sheep. I can see the stares. I am not a blind sheep. I can smell the greener grass somewhere else. I am not a senseless sheep.

When will I be accepted into the flock? Where is my flock? When will I be content while in the flock? Where is my flock? When will I be safe in my flock? Where is my flock?

I will find my flock one day. When I do, will they accept me? I will find where I am accepted one day. When I do, will they give me a sense of safety? I will find my sense of safety one day. When I do, will they give me a chance to be myself?

I am accepting I will never be a true part of the flock. I will find my niche someday. I am accepting I will never be who they expect me to be. I will find myself someday. I am accepting I will never try to fit in with the flock. I will find a flock who likes me for me.

I refuse to change to conform to flock societal rules. I will be myself. I refuse to change to conform to the mold. I will be myself. I refuse to conform to be a sheep headed for slaughter. I will be myself.

I will hold my head high and accept who I am. I won’t back down. I will stand tall and accept who I am. I won’t back down. I will smile and accept who I am. I won’t back down.

I am my own sheep. I have learned to embrace it. I am my own sheep. I have learned to forget the haters in the flock. I am my own sheep. I have learned to be my own sheep.

By Cassidy Jackson

From: United States

Twitter: cassjackson_22