Heidi Sands Poet Narrative

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

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John Hamilton November 11, 2020 at 4:16 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 Heidi Sands November 11, 2020 at 4:47 PM Thank you very much John. I do keep fighting on, as a survivor. I appreciate your support and comment :)

John Watt November 9, 2020 at 5:08 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 Heidi Sands November 9, 2020 at 5:23 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 :)

Quoth Theraven October 30, 2020 at 9:08 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 Heidi Sands November 1, 2020 at 5:36 AM Thank you so very much Richard. I hope you are well! Have a nice day today :)

Anne-Lise Andresen October 17, 2020 at 11:56 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 :) Heidi Sands October 17, 2020 at 12:00 PM Yes, that is true about living. Thank you very much Anne-Lise :)

Susan Ashley October 15, 2020 at 8:56 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 Heidi Sands October 16, 2020 at 5:35 AM Thank you so much Susan. I appreciate your support more than you know! :)

Linda Alice Fowler October 15, 2020 at 5:46 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 Heidi Sands October 16, 2020 at 5:35 AM Thank you so much Linda :)

Vijay Pandit October 15, 2020 at 3:40 PM Back with congrats on your podium win, Heidi. Heidi Sands October 15, 2020 at 3:59 PM Thank you Vijay :)

Silent One October 15, 2020 at 12:35 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... Silent One October 15, 2020 at 1:04 PM damn, re read it and it makes sense now... lol Heidi Sands October 15, 2020 at 12:51 PM I was not the only child. I wrote it confusingly, I suppose. Thank you very much ! I appreciate your support :)

Jennifer Proxenos October 11, 2020 at 11:25 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. Heidi Sands October 11, 2020 at 11:33 AM Thank you very much Jennifer. I hope you are having a nice day :)

Tom Cunningham October 11, 2020 at 11:18 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 Heidi Sands October 11, 2020 at 11:32 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 :)

Darlene De Beaulieu October 11, 2020 at 10:35 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. Darlene De Beaulieu October 15, 2020 at 10:04 AM Hello Heidi, you are welcome. You are a strong person. Enjoy your day my friend. hugs. Heidi Sands October 11, 2020 at 11:02 AM Thank you for your kind, supportive comment Darlene. I appreciate it. Hugs :)

Sam Kauffman October 11, 2020 at 9:05 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. Heidi Sands October 11, 2020 at 9:30 AM Thank you very much Sam. I appreciate your positive feedback. Autumn Blessings to you too :)

Arturo Michael October 11, 2020 at 8:40 AM You're solid as rock...Good to read today...All the best Heidi Heidi Sands October 11, 2020 at 9:28 AM Thank you very much Arturo. I hope you have a nice day :)

Vijay Pandit October 11, 2020 at 8:25 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! Heidi Sands October 11, 2020 at 9:28 AM Thank you so much Vijay. Your feedback is always appreciated :)