Stereotypical Hero – A Poem

You’re a stereotype,

He said.

Abuse survivor,

gay,

disabled.

You are a stereotype given shape.

I looked at him,

wishing that I could shout,

yell,

scream,

rant at him about what he said,

and why it was wrong.

Instead,

I stayed calm.

You forgot warrior,

I told him.

I’m a wizard,

magician,

and a hero.

He snorted,

sounding like a pig.

In who’s story are you a hero?

I smiled at him.

My own,

I said.