Good Different

by Meg Eden Kuyatt

We have the power of dragons; therefore, we cannot live together with humans … we have the hearts of humans; therefore, we do not belong with monsters. We are outcasts in this world, never a part of either community. And so we live our lives alone, never to be understood by anyone. —Myrrh, Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

Pebblecreek might not be perfect but it’s familiar and I never want to change it, like a pair of favorite shoes that even if they’re falling apart you tape up and try to fix because they’re special and important and yours.

Even though I have friends and act like it’s fine, deep, deep down, I really wish somewhere I could be fully me, where I could relax and not feel like a freak

I’d rather talk about myths or dragons but keep that part of me locked up because I know the girls don’t want to talk about myths or dragons.

Sometimes when they talk, I close my eyes and imagine growing a tail and hiding in the woods, puffing out all the steam and smoke inside me or flying until I find a quiet island with other dragons like me.

“Selah, sometimes we make up rules to try to make sense of the world around us, but those rules aren’t fair to us or anyone else. Those rules aren’t real.”

“I don’t like the word ‘wrong’ being used the same way as ‘different.’ ‘Wrong’ should be used when we’re talking about morals, not when we’re trying to blend in with everyone else.

All I care about are dragons and drawing dragons and writing poems because dragons don’t care if you think they’re weird or not. Dragons fly wherever they want to go; no one can stop them. And poems make me feel like a dragon.

Maybe my rules worry too much about what other people think Maybe Pop’s rules don’t think enough about how other people feel

I want people to read my poems and understand who I really am, without my Normal-person mask. I thought I was damaged too because that’s what everything around me told me I was. I don’t have to believe that anymore. (You don’t have to either, Mom.)

Mom laughs, says, “I didn’t think it had a name. I just thought everyone was like us.”

Funny how / bugs are / more scared of us / than we are of them but for some reason / we only feel better / once we’ve squashed / all the bugs in our house.

The thing I like about bouquets is that good ones aren’t made of a bunch of the same-looking flowers. The best ones have all sorts of different things that when put together make something beautiful.

Fight for words, even if it’s hard Don’t assume people are attacking you Ask for help when you need it Don’t wait to blow up Carry earplugs, a notebook, and a pencil at all times Remember, everyone needs a little help sometimes Don’t stay afraid—do something instead Be honest and talk to people, even if it’s scary Always, always write more poems And no matter what, don’t be afraid to be a dragon