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