Resilience

• Adam Paolillo, Grade 11, Servite College
• Poetry
• 2019

Finalist in the 'Inspired 2019' competition

His youthful mind, often became a blessing,
Oblivious to those, who were judgemental and oppressing,
Abandoned and neglected was how he was often made to feel,
By those most insecure, fuelling their ego-ideal.
His emotions were fragile, but were shielded by his innocence,
An inexperienced mind left him curious with a sense of ambivalence.
Day after day, Johnny yearned for it to get better,
Remaining hopeful yet oblivious, it was truly an endeavour,
A year had passed, and things seemed to get better,
His unique personality, he wore like a badge on his sweater,
No longer making decisions based around the judgement of his peers,
Living a life free of shame, free of embarrassment, free of tears.
Every day was rewarded with a smile as he came home,
Ever so thankful at last, that he was no longer alone,
Inaugurating a resilience that had once felt impossible,
He felt he was now built with a shield, forever unstoppable.