What Do You Think of Me Now

What do you think of me now? I hear you say what a brat I am and how I made you do it the hits, the hurts, the names you called me-well, I lived through it When you came into my room at night I prayed I would disappear but things have changed a lot since then, here’s something you should here: I carried my troubles in a shirt pocket that covered my heart for years but now I share all of my burdens to alleviate my fears I spent my life feeling full of shame but now I know the truth And your words that used to sting so quick are quite suddenly mute I see with more than eyes today and hear with more than ears I’ve learned that bravery can be heard in soft cries and falling tears I don’t pretend to not need anyone anymore, today I know that I do I still struggle with asking others for help, my silence I learned from you I know I’m not those names you called me, I’m kind and funny and smart A sweet little girl, a beautiful woman- with a convalescing heart I’m curiously optimistic about the life I choose to lead You see I’m no longer tortured by revenge or aching need I dream as if dreams aren’t silly at all and hope to make a difference I won’t let anyone tell me who I am anymore, so I offer you my forgiveness I don’t know where you ended up or if you found your way but if you hear me read this poem I’d like to hear you say -what you think of me now.