Survivor

Despite your efforts, in spite of your tries,

I’ve made it through, past your lies.

I have been raped; there were times I did break,

There is so much I can’t get back that you did take.

As much as you tried, you couldn’t destroy me,

I’m stronger than you could ever imagine me to be.

I was completely innocent and you stole that away,

There were times I wondered if I’d see a better day.

Although you tried everything you could think about,

To get to die inside, here I stand, alive and stronger no doubt.

Bent, I may very well be,

At times I was even broken, but I’ve put myself back together unitedly.

I’ve picked up the pieces you left behind,

And formed a beautiful mosaic of my former self and mind.

See, my confidence comes from within, not other people telling me,

For once in my life, I don’t need anyone to set me free.

I do just fine to tell myself I am beautiful, and be my own confidence,

So no one else has any control over me…my past is my evidence.

So yes, I may be bent; at times I have been broken,

But I am still beautiful, and I won’t be anyone’s token.

Most importantly, I am a survivor, I rise above,

They made my skin thicker, and made me tougher inside to love.

Heather L. Johnson

March 2004