Extra Ordinary (Poem)

You always built up your insults,
In three simple steps.

First, you'd tell me, 'You are extraordinary,'
I'd scrawl my pride across my cheeks in blushing red,
Happiness weighing my eyes down till I can hardly look up,
For fear I'd burst with it.

Then you'd correct me and split the word in two
'Extra' meaning additional, plus, more,
'Ordinary' meaning plain, invisible, no one.

Finally, you'd laugh and laugh and laugh
as though it was the b i g g e s t joke ever in capital letters
(correction; I think that adjective suited 'insult' better)

Your words were like sharp, tiny hooks,
Tugging the corners of my lips up.
You gave literal meaning to the term, 'a painful smile'
(I still fall for that same trick,
every single time)

Then I reminded myself that
Sticks and stones could break my bones,
But I'd never allow your words to hurt me.

So I broke your insults down,
In three simple steps.

First, I'd say, 'You're right, I am extraordinary',
You'd look at me as though you didn't have a brain.

Then, I'd correct you and piece the word back together
'Extraordinary' meaning incredible, amazing, marvellous and all things special.
'I am' meaning I believe in me and myself, in dreams and miracles.

Finally, I'd thank you for the compliment,
And I'd laugh, and laugh, and laugh
Right back into your pathetic, little, extra ordinary face.