In loving memory of Devine.
Devine was 23 when he died by suicide after struggling with feelings of exclusion and self-
doubt. Despite having a loving family, he yearned for external acceptance and belonging. He
was ridiculed, taunted, and misunderstood, leading him to believe that ending his life would
relieve his pain.
As the youngest of seven children, Devine felt pressure to match his siblings’ successes. He
was kind, intelligent, and deeply inquisitive. He could hold conversations on politics,
history, religion, and mythology—subjects he explored with great passion. Yet, despite his
bright mind and compassionate heart, he struggled with his identity and the societal
pressures placed upon him.
You are not alone.
I AM ME
You don’t know me.
See, you don’t know me.
Those who truly know me, love me,
But you—you don’t know me.
I am me.
They say love is blind,
Yet great character is divine and so genuine.
I am proud I don’t follow the crowd.
I am not rich, not poor, yet I have it all—
Free from the pressures of societal norms.
I am me.
Not the person I used to be,
Deceived by society,
Thinking I had to fit in,
Gave by anxieties.
No. Not today. I’ve stopped thinking that way.
I am me.
Now I possess courage,
And conviction to be truly unique.
Far from weak,
I embrace my quirks, imperfections, and flaws,
Living my life with cause—
No more following trends and all.
I am me.
We all have different personalities.
I stand tall with individuality,
Turning insecurities into opportunities.
I am me.
By the powers vested in me,
I give myself permission to love, trust, and believe in me.
Let their judgment be;
It does not define me.
I slay fear without a drop of a tear.
So have I made myself clear?
I am not you.
I am me.