• You say I’m non-existent, but I’m here
    I live, I breathe, I feel
    I walk these halls with you

    You say I’m mentally ill, but I’m not
    My mind can function, my limbs can move, my heart can beat
    It’s just the system trying to put me in a box

    You compare me to a dog, but I don’t bark
    I have two legs, a voice, and I care for myself
    I don’t need a leash to lead me

    Don’t prescribe me medicine, I’m not sick
    Don’t try to fix me, I’m not broken
    Don’t feel sorry for me, I’m not hurt
    Don’t try to protect me, I’m not weak
    Don’t cage me, I’m not an animal

    I’m human. I’m male. I’m Mark.

    ~MBK