I swallowed screams I bit my tongue wrote apologies I never hung on walls that owed me explanations I healed in silence no standing ovations... I practiced grace in empty rooms rehearsed forgiveness no one asked for learned how to survive without being seen... I learned pain without vocabulary loss without closure strength without witnesses... But childhood followed never passed it clung to me it held me fast It didn’t leave it didn’t rest it lived embedded inside my chest... I think about what was done to me how no one stood how none could see No shield no arms no warning cry just doors and fear asking why... There’s still that girl inside my skin who flinches whenever the past walks in... Flashbacks knock without a sound memories hit I hit the ground... Demons didn’t shout they knew my name they wore old love they smelled like shame... They whispered lies in trusted tones called my endurance “overgrown.” They fed me doubt like daily bread and slept inside the things unsaid... There were days I vanished whole smiling through the weight I stole from every room I entered strong while screaming, I don’t belong... This year took more than it gave It cracked me open in places I didn’t know existed But listen closely I am still here Not unbroken Not unchanged But undefeated... I am no good for cages dressed as men for love that needs me small again... They tried to bend me tried to claim mistook my softness for a chain... So demons listen take your seat you tried to make me incomplete... You fed on fear you thrived on doubt but I am what you couldn’t count... Strange and changed still intact not hardened just exact... This new year brings a steadier tone a sharper edge a stronger bone... @Darkfeminine