The Opposite of Shame

My pride is not a platform that lifts me above you
My pride is a ladder that lifts me out of despair

My pride is not a justification for breaking the rules
My pride is a method to heal the damage caused by them

My pride is not a demand for you to stare at me
My pride is what helps me ignore it when you choose to anyways

My pride is not an attempt to influence others to act like me
My pride is an attempt to encourage them to act like themselves

My pride is not an attack on your religious practices
My pride is a defense from religious rules being imposed on me

My pride is not something you can take away from me
My pride is a choice I will make, again and again