Immutable

I know I am selfish,

I know I am arrogant,

Dominant, unyielding,

Unwilling to bend or break.

There was a time,

Once,

When my edges were softer,

When my heart knew innocence,

But life sculpted me,

Chiseled away the gentleness,

Left me hardened,

Left me strong.

I am upgraded,

A better version,

Forged in the fires of change,

Resolute in my essence.

If my behavior,

My ways,

Or anything about me

Troubles you,

There is an exit sign,

Clear and bright,

You are free to leave.

I will not tether you,

I will not plead,

The choice is crystal clear,

But I will not change,

I cannot change.

My principles,

My philosophy,

My lifestyle,

Are the bedrock of my being,

Immutable,

Unyielding ...