Raped by the words of my brothers and sisters.

Their eyes watch as I fall.

But I will be the one laughing,

As I rise higher than they ever could.

Constantly worrying about others’ needs.

What about me?

This time calls for selfish behavior.

Stabbed in the heart and spine.

There goes love of others.

Them stunned by my alterations.

I learn to love myself more and more.

Keeping that smile that was once lost.

Wiping blood and sweat from my brow.

Vomit running down my chest.

I clean it off day after day.

Standing on my own two arched feet.

Pushing through hardships and heartache.

There’s the light at the end of the tunnel.

The smile remains.

I am stronger than I ever was.