What I Once Called Love: The Drafts

To Girls Like Me

To the girl who's been trampled over,

   to the woman left alone,

To the daughter that's been trained

   or the one with a heart of stone,

You are not forgotten

   nor are you left to cry

For I know the pain you've been through.

   I too have wondered why.

I took me years to realize,

   all the things that love is not

But in my scar-filled journey

   I can say I've learned a lot.

You can overcome him

   for you have much more life to live

Than to sit alone in sorrow

   wondering what more you were to give.

Your destiny lies beyond

   how he see you with his eyes

So love each freckle on your cheek

   and the curvature of your thighs.

Use your voice for greatness,

   no need to cower here,

For you were born to share your story

   and show the world no fear.

So go out there and show them

   all the things I know you are.

You are bright and bold and beautiful,

   and I know you will go far.