My Will To Survive

I was only a child, when I learned there is good and evil in the world
Extensive trauma and threats were put upon me by many people
Silenced with my voice stolen, unable to speak without being hurt more
I watched death at the hands of these people, covered up by corruption
My resistance led to their increased force with many hurtful incidents
So, I made a promise to speak later, when I can do something about it
This promise was the seed for my inner will to survive everything happening
And as I grew so did this seed, into adulthood with courage to face them
I spoke truth, letting my voice be heard like no other day in my life
Of course they retaliated, but I knew if they silenced me again, they won
Stealing not only my voice but my soul, so I chose to persevere
I went in a direction they opposed, pursuing everything that I believe in
I used avenues of creativity to live to the fullest in every way that I could
I gave myself all that they couldn’t give me, comfort and safety
As I bloomed in my years of life, I spread beauty wherever I could
Knowing, there are so many others who carry a burden of pain from the past
The more I fell the more I stood, the more I was attacked, the more I fought
My will to survive strengthened every time and this is why I am still here
Broken promises lead to mistrust, my fulfilled promise led to empowerment

Heidi Sands

10/11/20

Placed 3rd in the Will to Survive Poetry Contest.  Sponsor:  Silent One
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020


Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 11/11/2020 4:16:00 PM
A powerful write Heidi glad it won in the contest, it seems that you are a conqueror an against the odds type of person, we need more like you, hope you're feeling better. Check out my blog to find some news, take care! JD
Login to Reply
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 11/11/2020 4:47:00 PM
Thank you very much John. I do keep fighting on, as a survivor. I appreciate your support and comment :)
Date: 11/9/2020 5:08:00 PM
Heidi, what power there is in your words, 'I knew if they silenced me again, they won'. Your resilience and courage are commendable and inspiring. To spread beauty everywhere is indeed the calling of the creative and artistic, which you have carried out so well. Congratulations on your well-deserved win ~ John
Login to Reply
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 11/9/2020 5:23:00 PM
Hi John. Your comment means a lot to me. I have been so busy lately to be here much, but hope to have some time soon. Thank you. I appreciate your support! I hope all is well :)
Date: 10/30/2020 9:08:00 PM
Heidi, The will to survive belongs to only the fittest. Your poem, a testament to this. And now we remain.,as solumn witness. -Richard
Login to Reply
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 11/1/2020 5:36:00 AM
Thank you so very much Richard. I hope you are well! Have a nice day today :)
Date: 10/17/2020 11:56:00 AM
- Survival can be a struggle ... but often it's not about surviving ... it's about living ... - A great winning poem, congratulations Heidi :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Login to Reply
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 10/17/2020 12:00:00 PM
Yes, that is true about living. Thank you very much Anne-Lise :)
Date: 10/15/2020 8:56:00 PM
I applaud your potent pen, Heidi! Your self-empowerment is as inspiring as it is beautiful. I was so moved by the emotions expressed in your compelling poem. Congratulations for your wonderful win.. ~Susan
Login to Reply
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 10/16/2020 5:35:00 AM
Thank you so much Susan. I appreciate your support more than you know! :)
Date: 10/15/2020 5:46:00 PM
"The more I fell the more I stood, the more I was attacked, the more I fought..." Beautiful line Heidi. Congratulations on the win! Linda
Login to Reply
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 10/16/2020 5:35:00 AM
Thank you so much Linda :)
Date: 10/15/2020 3:40:00 PM
Back with congrats on your podium win, Heidi.
Login to Reply
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 10/15/2020 3:59:00 PM
Thank you Vijay :)
Date: 10/15/2020 12:35:00 PM
cant be easy being an only child, seems like you have to learn about life so much quicker. Thank you for sharing your story.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest...
Login to Reply
One Avatar
Silent One
Date: 10/15/2020 1:04:00 PM
damn, re read it and it makes sense now... lol
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 10/15/2020 12:51:00 PM
I was not the only child. I wrote it confusingly, I suppose. Thank you very much ! I appreciate your support :)
Date: 10/11/2020 11:25:00 AM
I really enjoyed this poem Heidi, it is wonder to be positive and I'm happy that your fulfilled promise led to empowerment. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
Login to Reply
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 10/11/2020 11:33:00 AM
Thank you very much Jennifer. I hope you are having a nice day :)
Date: 10/11/2020 11:18:00 AM
Early events in our lives can have a negative impact on our future lives. Thankfully you've managed to turn that negativity into something positive. Hope you're well Heidi and have enjoyed your weekend. Good luck in the contest. Tom
Login to Reply
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 10/11/2020 11:32:00 AM
Yes events can and also be challenging to get through. Thank you for the kind comment Tom. All is well and I hope you are having a nice weekend :)
Date: 10/11/2020 10:35:00 AM
Hello Heidi, you have made wise decisions to make yourself strong. Yes you have bloomed in your life. You also spoke your mind. Hugs Darlene.
Login to Reply
De Beaulieu Avatar
Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 10/15/2020 10:04:00 AM
Hello Heidi, you are welcome. You are a strong person. Enjoy your day my friend. hugs.
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 10/11/2020 11:02:00 AM
Thank you for your kind, supportive comment Darlene. I appreciate it. Hugs :)
Date: 10/11/2020 9:05:00 AM
Truly your life decisions have led to your "empowerment" Heidi, taking all of the negative and turning it upside, giving it a good shake, then using it to make a difference. Yours is a story of courage. Best wishes for the contest. Sending you harvest blessings.
Login to Reply
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 10/11/2020 9:30:00 AM
Thank you very much Sam. I appreciate your positive feedback. Autumn Blessings to you too :)
Date: 10/11/2020 9:03:00 AM
Powerful and from deep within. Your beliefs make up who you are. Your will is strong. Well written, Heidi.
Login to Reply
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 10/11/2020 9:29:00 AM
Thank you very much Sandy. I appreciate your kind comment :)
Date: 10/11/2020 8:40:00 AM
You're solid as rock...Good to read today...All the best Heidi
Login to Reply
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 10/11/2020 9:28:00 AM
Thank you very much Arturo. I hope you have a nice day :)
Date: 10/11/2020 8:25:00 AM
Much inspiration stems from how you rose through hardships. Your endurance is exemplary, Heidi. Apt story to reflect on for this contest theme. No doubt, a winner!
Login to Reply
Sands Avatar
Heidi Sands
Date: 10/11/2020 9:28:00 AM
Thank you so much Vijay. Your feedback is always appreciated :)
Get a Premium Membership
Get more exposure for your poetry and more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Reflection on the Important Things

Member Area

My Admin
Profile and Settings
Edit My Poems
Edit My Quotes
Edit My Short Stories
Edit My Articles
My Comments Inboxes
My Comments Outboxes
Soup Mail
Poetry Contests
Contest Results/Status
Followers
Poems of Poets I Follow
Friend Builder

Soup Social

Poetry Forum
New/Upcoming Features
The Wall
Soup Facebook Page
Who is Online
Link to Us

Member Poems

Poems - Top 100 New
Poems - Top 100 All-Time
Poems - Best
Poems - by Topic
Poems - New (All)
Poems - New (PM)
Poems - New by Poet
Poems - Read
Poems - Unread

Member Poets

Poets - Best New
Poets - New
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems Recent
Poets - Top 100 Community
Poets - Top 100 Contest

Famous Poems

Famous Poems - African American
Famous Poems - Best
Famous Poems - Classical
Famous Poems - English
Famous Poems - Haiku
Famous Poems - Love
Famous Poems - Short
Famous Poems - Top 100

Famous Poets

Famous Poets - Living
Famous Poets - Most Popular
Famous Poets - Top 100
Famous Poets - Best
Famous Poets - Women
Famous Poets - African American
Famous Poets - Beat
Famous Poets - Cinquain
Famous Poets - Classical
Famous Poets - English
Famous Poets - Haiku
Famous Poets - Hindi
Famous Poets - Jewish
Famous Poets - Love
Famous Poets - Metaphysical
Famous Poets - Modern
Famous Poets - Punjabi
Famous Poets - Romantic
Famous Poets - Spanish
Famous Poets - Suicidal
Famous Poets - Urdu
Famous Poets - War

Poetry Resources

Anagrams
Bible
Book Store
Character Counter
Cliché Finder
Poetry Clichés
Common Words
Copyright Information
Grammar
Grammar Checker
Homonym
Homophones
How to Write a Poem
Lyrics
Love Poem Generator
New Poetic Forms
Plagiarism Checker
Poetry Art
Publishing
Random Word Generator
Spell Checker
What is Good Poetry?
Word Counter