“She has a mind of her own. She can take care of herself.”

People say this of me. What manner of comment is that? 

Of course, I have a mind of my own. I am not aware people share minds.

My voice, my mind, my ideas and my story make me ‘me’. From my outer covering to my core.

If their logic is this then I jolly well can take care of myself at thirteen.

Let me tell you, I am the girl who never stayed within the lines in colouring books.

I'm a girl who wears my opinions on my sleeve.

I will always make a judgement based on what my eyes see and ears hear. One that often varies from what the others think.

I have a quick tongue. I will hold on to my ideas, express them and debate them.

Does disagreeing with people make me disagreeable and miles away from normal? I will live with it.

I can’t understand why I should act un-smart. If I know a walrus uses its tusk to break through ice, I will say so.

I sense many people tremble before I say or ask something as they get nervous of what is coming.

Me not skipping uncomfortable issues or skim their surface makes things sticky.

And I catch people unawares by asking questions they don't expect. 

I must admit I love a challenge. I get charged easily. 

Yet I refuse to get thrown by put downs or sharper stabs. Or say yes when I mean no.

I don’t care if I am not considered ‘likeable’.

Someone even told me I have the manners of the outhouse rat. Ha-ha.

Call me hard-headed if you will. But hard-hearted I am not.