Black Sheep Brainchild

You stole from me.

And I let you.

It started small.

A word here.an idea there.

A meal with family.

An evening of self-care.

A carefree laugh with friends.

A moment of intimacy with my partner.

The sparkle behind my smile.

The joy in my eyes.

My sense of self.

My worth.

My desire to keep moving forward.

My ability to thrive.

Darkness.

A clenched jaw and shoulders like a brick wall. Unsteady heartbeats and frantic swishes of the pen as it races across paper.

The ink smears where a salty tear falls but I keep writing.

I have to get this out.

It is done.

I am done.

I will not sit here any more. I will not remain a life claimed by your falsehoods and cruelties.

I have finally blinked.

No longer do I stare glassy-eyed ahead, unable to see the rotting flesh beneath the luxurious robes.

No longer are my ears plugged by your clangorous din.

I am free now – no longer do you hold me.

Healing and growth are my constant companions.

My heart is open – soft yet strong.

I know who I am.