Strength

I never said a word

about the monsters in the night

I never said a word

about those who blamed me

for what they took

I buried the memories

under layers of quiet strength

and binged on food

to protect the child within

And when I was older

safe and secure

I feel apart

cascades of everything

came back

To bury me in the terror

of before

Strength is facing the horror

understanding your courage

and knowing no matter

how often you flash back

into the past

you know who to call

and you will not fall

to the monsters in the night

I peeled back the layers

over a hundred pounds

deep

to bring sunshine to the

child hidden within

Strength forged in a child

has taken me through

grief for the loss of

so much since then

I can handle the worst

life throws my way

the joys are so much

more

because of yesterday