Staring in the mirror.

I'm not sure whether to classify this as poetry or just a blurb but here you go :)

Staring in the mirror.

In the mirror, I see a version of myself that I don't recognise. I see a broken, tired soul staring back at me. A soul who, at the age of 13, faced and experienced irreversible trauma. A soul who at 12, 13, 15, and 17, faced discrimination from family and friends he held close to him. People who should have loved and accepted him just the way he was.
When I look in the mirror, I see a kid who struggled with their identity for years. A kid who longed to be himself in a home that felt unsafe. I see a kid who never felt free, a kid who wanted nothing more than to soar free like a bird and find his own way.
I look in the mirror, and I see myself again. This time, at 17, I look more carefree. I look like I'm getting to where I want to be. I see a young man who is slowly healing from his younger experiences. I still see that broken, shattered soul from before.
However.
I see the process of healing. I see the growing light of happiness reflecting in my eyes, something I haven't seen in years. I feel reassured that eventually, it does get better. Even if hard days still happen, I see everything my past selves have lived, and I look at myself in the mirror.
I am still here. I am still alive and I'm stronger than ever just for that.