Smiles do Return


She endured trauma as a child, that shut down her mind
Without safe adults, there was no security to find
She played outside and pretended to run away
She prayed and God answered, he heard what she had to say
She learned about good and evil, at an early age
When her soul with a facade, became stuck in a cage
She was lucky to have natural talents to help her survive
God granted her what was needed to stay alive
She was given strength to endure things, beyond words can say
When she was older, it was time for her to speak and find her way
She investigated the past, fighting to stop others from being hurt
She learned to watch her back, be streetwise while on alert
After 14 years, justice failed with deep corruption, that started back then
Finding the closure she wanted was no longer a matter of when
Family outcasted her, while more losses and deaths came about
The silence of the past had turned into a powerful shout
How did she make it through such painstaking times?
She created in many ways including things like these rhymes
She was granted many good things through so many years
Friends who care, pets who love, much comfort  that erased fears
She yearns to love and give to all who may have pain
She will offer to give the sun to anyone, after the rain
I say all this because there is hope in life, through good and bad
                - smiles do return from the depths of being sad -

Heidi Sands

12/22/33
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Pandit Avatar
December 23, 2023 at 5:55 AM
A touching story, my friend. Much inspiration you convey in the upbeat ending, Heidi.
One Avatar
December 23, 2023 at 4:40 AM
Chidlhood trauma always has an everlasting effect on us, even in adulthood, some learn to deal with it, some never get over it.. your poem is an excellent example how some can recover from it..
Sands Avatar
December 23, 2023 at 5:53 AM
You are right, my friend. It does have an everlasting effect on us in adulthood. Thank you for your kind feedback. :)
Empress Avatar
December 22, 2023 at 9:32 PM
Dear Heidi, this really speaks volumes for me and touched my soul so strongly. I absolutely love the storytelling in such a creative and touching manner that would get readers to feel the strength of this character you’ve described, despite the trauma and the injustices and abandonment she has faced, she still rises finds sun through rain and find little things to smile for. What a profound and soulful write. I felt this so very much. Definitely a fave for me
Sands Avatar
December 22, 2023 at 9:43 PM
I am happy that this reached you and that you took the time to leave such positive feedback thank you very much. I am grateful and I appreciate the Fave. :)
Cunningham Avatar
December 22, 2023 at 8:23 PM
Quite a sad verse Heidi, it amazes me how some people find the strength to rise above it to put aside their terrible experiences that they've had.. Merry Christmas. Tom
Sands Avatar
December 22, 2023 at 8:50 PM
It is what it is. Many people go through trauma.Yes, It is amazing how much people can get through. Thank you . Merry Christmss. :)
Edmonds  Avatar
December 22, 2023 at 7:51 PM
Marvellous Heidi, she could be me you wrote about, I was so traumatised from awful times I went through. I remember well the day I felt God’s presence, many years ago, that was the day my healing began…. Belle
Sands Avatar
December 22, 2023 at 8:18 PM
I am sorry to hear about your trauma. So many people experience so much. I am happy to hear God reached you. It is an amazing blessing. Thank you for your comment :)
Mcintosh Avatar
December 22, 2023 at 6:07 PM
Very sad, but so beautifully spoken ... yes, there is hope in the SON, the Only ONE who can truly comfort the heart who has bled. He is the only ONE who can make alive that which was dead. Love to you sweet friend. Very good poem. God bless you. Love, Gina
Sands Avatar
December 22, 2023 at 8:16 PM
Thank you Regina. Blessings :)
Rodrigues Avatar
December 22, 2023 at 5:53 PM
Sounds like this could be your story? Finding the sunshine through life’s extreme storms…finding a smile once again and comforting others.
Sands Avatar
December 22, 2023 at 8:15 PM
Thank you Kim.
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