I've earned the right to be discouraged,
to be burnt-out and disappointed...
for those that were supposed to support me,
failed me,
tried to cut me off at the knee
instead of love me
And yet here I am.
I have survived their worst attacks.
They tried to convince me I am unworthy,
my life was in their hands,
at their mercy.
It is not.
I am not.
I have made mistakes.
I am not perfect.
Given compassion I will grow from them
take the steps forward into the man, the woman, I am meant to be,
the person reflected in my son's, my daughter's eyes.
Life has left me much to desire
left much unfulfilled...
Today I stop -
and take stock
of what I have:
those blessings and joys
I wouldn't trade for anything,
those lights that glow bright
and give me strength,
those lights that may dim
but never go out,
that remain steadfast by my side
reminding me of the beauty in my world
Beauty in the sky
in the sunlight refracted through clouds,
shining on bugs flitting among blooming flowers...
And I am strong.
And my enemies wearing the guise of loved ones
cannot get the best of me
cannot take me down -
not today.
