It was a dream I hoped
The dark corners and the hard earth
The pain that lashed across my body
And the stain that grew without consent
Red became my nightmare
My screams died soon
It drained away with the rain
Leaving just a smear
Walk, I told myself
You will be safe soon
Don’t worry about the eyes
They can only stare
Hands remained by their sides
None were raised to help
Run, I told myself
Shelter is not too far away
Hidden under the blankets
Ears strained for any sounds
Twitching and moaning
I made it through that night
Another morning dawned
Shadows of nightmares remained
It all came crashing back
All that seemed a dream
A struggle to stand up
Another to standup tall
Be strong, I told myself
Atleast you are alive
You are sane and you are strong
And you can fight
I screamed last night
I will shout today
If I was scared yesterday
Fury has replaced it now
I will show the bruises
The map of black and blue
In the depth of these marks
I will show them the proof
You thought I will hide
But I stand tall right here.
There are many scars still
I have given them new meaning
I still fight everyday
To rebuild what you broke
You are free no more
But you curbed my freedom too
Days are darker at times
They are looking better now
I am learning again
To trust and smile
I promise I will
I promise I will
I see my body differently
With respect and love
It has felt so much
And still it is so strong
I refuse to give you the power,
The power to destroy me
It is mine as it always was
And I choose to raise it.
