Not so strong

Tough on the outside
fragile on the in.
I'll fight any opponent
but get hurt by criticism.

I can stand my ground
and can be pushed down
but a simple word
can make me stop coming around.

I may look strong enough
to with stand anything.
I've been pushed down too much
and broken enough for it not to sting.

I'm not as sturdy as I use to be
but I do not easily break.
I can protect myself
but a smile can be faked.

Reviews

[SeekingMeaning]

I love the way you twist back and forth between being strong and being vulnerable. There's something so strange about being able to stand up to everything but criticism, and I completely feel the same.

Also, I don't know if you are interested in grammatical pointers, but I noticed "to" ought to be "too" in the 3rd stanza. If you don't want nitpicking, obviously ignore me. :)

[Dandelion]

I love when people tell me when I misspell stuff. It's learning and all writers should always enjoy grammar fixes. Thank you!!