I’m still here

bruised but not broken

I’m still here

bloody but unbowed

I’m still here

I have walked in your shame

I have carried the weight of your pain

I’m still here

I have cowered in fear

I have raged against my own name

I’m still here

You have taken piece by precious piece

I am here to reclaim

I no longer cower

I no longer rage

I claim the love you could not name

I’m still here

You have bludgeoned me with fists

I’m still here

You have clawed at me with phrase

I’m still here

You have trampled on my garden

and yet I remain

I’m still here

weary as a soldier too long at war

too timid to think there is peace evermore

I’m still here

I rejoice

I’m still here

I embrace compassion

I’m still here

I accept my jewels

I’m still here

golden rain from eyes caress my heart

heal my soul

ease the scars

that once stung

so brightly

I’m still here