LIFE

He came to me
not to bid me good night
but to expunge the spark of my life

To live in fear
rather than faith
makes a child grow inwards

When hands don't caress
but claw at skin and hurt
you learn how to hide within yourself

My body is mine
too terrorized to articulate
a child's fundamental right of inviolacy

When I chose to stay from harm
although it meant punishment
the healthier alternative was mine

When a mother
chooses to look the other way
which way remains for a daughter

Having been disposed of
after 18 years of abuse
was no less than being saved at last

My wishes my will my body
not meant for everyone
just for those who care

My life will be mine
and yours if you choose
to catch me if I fall